Brave Officer

Quick action by an off duty police officer led to the arrest of a 20year old man after he allegedly robbed a 52year old woman in Lautoka last Saturday.

The incident occurred along Yawini Street.

The victim was entering a shop when the accused allegedly grabbed her phone and personal belongings and ran towards the Multipurpose Court.

The victim followed the suspect in her vehicle and alerted bystanders when Police Constable Joji Lagi who was playing volleyball with friends heard the cry for help.

The 23-year old lad from Naqumu Village in Macuata without giving much thought chased the suspect and he was able to see the suspect carrying a kitchen knife whereby he took the necessary precautions.

“It was dark because it was around 08.30 pm or almost 09.00 pm.

The only image that came to my mind was the face of the late PC Siuta Niumataiwalu,” said PC Lagi.

The accused allegedly swung the knife twice and struck the officer’s right leg and he managed to kick the knife from his hands.

The officer managed to overpower the accused and flagged down a passing taxi to alert other Police officers of the incident.

The accused was taken into custody, questioned and charged with one count of theft, two counts of serious assault and was produced in court and remanded till the 1st of March.