A taxi driver in Labasa claims he was assaulted by two men last week and that his call for help was overlooked by responding police. Aiyaz Dean Mohammed reported that the officers did not take him to the hospital despite his severe injuries.
According to Mr. Mohammed, a private car that is believed to be operating illegally as a taxi unexpectedly blocked his path, and two men emerged from the vehicle to attack him. He stated that the police informed him he would face charges for making an illegal U-turn instead of assisting him first.
“I was heavily bleeding; they could have addressed my plea before taking any action,” Mr. Mohammed expressed. He suffered the loss of two teeth during the assault and required hospitalization.
Mahend Prasad, the president of the Labasa Taxi Association, criticized some traffic officers for their lack of diligence in carrying out their responsibilities. He noted that taxi drivers in Labasa now feel unsafe following the assault on Mr. Mohammed.
Divisional Police Commander SSP Kemueli Baledrokadroka refrained from commenting on the matter but acknowledged that he learned of the situation only after Mr. Prasad brought it to his attention. He confirmed that the assault occurred on Tuesday, with a report filed on Friday. An investigation is currently underway, and SSP Baledrokadroka mentioned that the police have received surveillance footage related to the incident. The suspects are thought to be from Suva.