Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing children’s welfare following an incident where a toddler was found wandering alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Two women discovered the child and took him to a nearby police station, prompting police to seek help from the public in identifying the child’s parents or guardians. The toddler was successfully reunited with his family after news of the incident circulated online.
ACP Chew stated that the police would thoroughly investigate incidents of child neglect and may pursue legal action against negligent parents or guardians. He highlighted that this is not an isolated incident, expressing concern over the recurrence of such cases. Previous incidents involving child injuries or fatalities, such as drownings and accidents, were attributed to lack of supervision and neglect, which could have been avoided with proper oversight.
Chew urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant with young children, acknowledging their curiosity and the potential for tragedy in just a few moments of inattention.
Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also addressed the situation, urging all caregivers to be attentive to children’s whereabouts. She referenced a recent tragic incident in Navua, where a one-year-old boy was killed after leaving home unnoticed and being struck by a vehicle.
Kiran emphasized the need for better child protection and support for parents, particularly those living in urban areas who often struggle to find adequate childcare. She stressed that neglect can lead to preventable tragedies.