A four-year-old boy has tragically lost his life, presenting with visible bruises across his body. Initial findings suggest he suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw and a fractured skull, raising critical concerns about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The child’s mother claims he choked on cereal during breakfast, but the severity of the injuries has prompted a thorough police investigation. Assistant Police Commissioner Operations, Livai Driu, confirmed that the case was reported to law enforcement by a medical professional after the child was taken to Colonial War Memorial Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Commissioner Driu confirmed that the mother is currently in police custody while the inquiry continues. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death. Minister for Health, Dr. Atonio Lalabalavu, chose not to comment on the specifics of the case, while Line Minister Sashi Kiran noted that the Department of Children is collaborating with police in their investigations and has begun interviewing family members of the deceased.
In light of this heartbreaking incident, Minister Kiran pointed out the concerning statistic that five out of six children in Fiji experience some form of violence. She emphasized the urgent need for families, communities, and authorities to address the issue of child abuse, affirming that every child deserves to live in a safe and nurturing environment.
Human rights advocate Shamima Ali expressed her shock at the boy’s death and criticized the response of both the police and the Social Welfare Department regarding child abuse cases. She called for more comprehensive education on child protection, asserting that stress experienced by parents should never be taken out on their children.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for societal change and improved systems to protect the most vulnerable among us. Community awareness and proactive measures are essential steps towards creating a safer environment for children to thrive in. It is hopeful that this incident will spur community action against child abuse and lead to greater vigilance regarding the welfare of children.
Summary: A four-year-old boy died with severe injuries, prompting a police investigation and raising concerns about child abuse. The mother’s claim of choking on cereal conflicts with the injuries noted. Child welfare advocates stress the need for action against violence towards children.
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