Concerns over child safety have been raised following a recent incident involving a toddler found wandering alone. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew addressed the matter after two women discovered the child along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu and brought him to a police station. The police are now seeking help from the public to identify the child’s parents or guardians, and the toddler has since been reunited with his family after the news spread online.
ACP Chew emphasized the need for law enforcement to investigate instances of child neglect thoroughly and hinted at possible legal consequences for neglectful parents or guardians. He noted that this incident is not isolated, citing previous cases where children suffered harm due to negligence, including drowning and accidents. “A moment of inattention can lead to tragedy,” he warned, urging caregivers to be vigilant in supervising young children.
In light of this incident, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also called on parents and guardians to prioritize the welfare of their children and remain aware of their whereabouts. Her comments come after a tragic incident last week where a one-year-old boy died in Navua after being struck by a vehicle while wandering away from home.
Kiran acknowledged the challenges faced by working parents in urban areas but stressed the importance of finding adequate childcare solutions. “Child protection is critical,” she stated, underscoring the potential for preventable tragedies if proper supervision is not maintained.