Tragedy may occur if children’s welfare is not prioritized, warned Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew. His comments followed a report regarding a toddler found wandering alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu and brought to a police station by two women.
ACP Chew emphasized that the police would investigate the reasons behind incidents of child neglect thoroughly. The police made a public appeal on their official Facebook page to help identify the child’s parents or guardians, and the toddler was later reunited with his family after the post gained attention.
He noted that in cases like these, law enforcement considers factors of negligence that might lead to legal charges against parents or guardians. “This is not the first such incident we have encountered,” ACP Chew remarked. “It’s concerning, and in every case involving a child, we examine the element of negligence. In previous incidents, parents and guardians have been charged.”
He recalled past tragedies involving children, such as drownings, burns from hot water, and being hit by vehicles, all attributed to a lack of supervision or neglect. “These incidents were unfortunate and could have been avoided if proper child supervision was prioritized,” he added. “Children are curious, and it only takes a moment for tragedy to strike. We urge parents and guardians to be particularly vigilant.”
In a related appeal, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran urged all parents and guardians to focus on children’s welfare and to always know their locations. She referenced a recent incident where a one-year-old boy tragically died in Naitonitoni, Navua, after allegedly being struck by a vehicle while he wandered onto the road unnoticed.
“The issue of child protection is something we must seriously consider,” Kiran highlighted. “We understand that parents, especially in urban areas, may struggle to find childcare, but it’s essential to seek help and support to ensure children are not neglected. Tragic incidents can lead to the loss of a life.”