The welfare of children must be a priority to prevent tragic incidents, according to Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew. His remarks followed an incident where a toddler was found wandering alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu and later brought to a nearby police station by two women.
Commissioner Chew stated that the police will thoroughly investigate the reasons behind instances of child neglect. A plea for assistance in locating the child’s parents or guardians was shared on the police’s official Facebook page, and the toddler was successfully reunited with his family after the post gained attention.
Chew indicated that in similar cases, law enforcement would consider acts of negligence that could lead to legal charges against parents or guardians. He expressed concern, noting, “This is not the first such case we have encountered,” and highlighted previous incidents where children suffered from accidents due to lack of supervision, including drownings and burn injuries.
He emphasized the need for vigilance among parents and guardians, especially since children are naturally curious and accidents can happen in mere seconds.
In a related statement, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran urged all parents and guardians to prioritize the safety and whereabouts of their children. Kiran referenced a tragic incident from last week in which a one-year-old boy was killed after he allegedly wandered onto the road and was struck by a vehicle driven by a 23-year-old man.
She acknowledged the challenges faced by nuclear families in urban areas regarding childcare but insisted on the necessity of seeking appropriate support to ensure children are not neglected, stressing that “Incidents can happen and a life lost.”