Concerns over children’s welfare have been raised following a recent incident involving a toddler found wandering alone along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s safety to prevent tragedies. The toddler was discovered by two women who took him to a nearby police station.
In a statement, ACP Chew indicated that authorities would investigate the circumstances surrounding such cases of child neglect. The police have since appealed to the public on social media to help identify the child’s parents or guardians. Fortunately, the toddler was reunited with his family after the post gained widespread attention.
ACP Chew noted that this incident is not isolated, as there have been previous cases involving child neglect that ended tragically, including instances of drowning, burns, and road accidents. He pointed out that these incidents often stem from a lack of supervision and urged parents and guardians to take extra precautions.
Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also addressed the issue, urging parents and guardians to be mindful of their children’s whereabouts. She highlighted a recent case where a one-year-old boy died in Navua after reportedly being struck by a vehicle while wandering away from home unnoticed.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges faced by parents, particularly in urban areas, but stressed the importance of finding support to ensure children’s safety and prevent neglect. She urged the community to collectively focus on child protection to prevent such heartbreaking incidents.