Breach of COVID-19 restrictions
Thursday 1st, July, 2021.
Five men were arrested at Duvula Road, Nadera yesterday for failing to wear masks and for social gathering.
The five made up the twenty-eight reports recorded in the Southern Division in the last 24hrs for breaching health and curfew restrictions.
Forty-five cases in total were recorded, with the Southern Division recording the highest with twenty-eight cases, twelve arrests were made in the Western Division, three in the Eastern Division and two in the North.
In the Southern Division a police officer was among eight people arrested for social gathering as they were found drinking alcohol in Bulei Road, Laucala Beach.
The Police officer will face both criminal charges as well as our internal disciplinary proceedings.
Other arrests made in the Southern Division include three men who were arrested at Laqere Village for social gathering as they were found gambling while twelve men were arrested at Cunningham Stage one for social gathering as they were found drinking alcohol.
Meanwhile in the Western Division twelve people were arrested for failing to comply with orders.
Four women and three men were arrested at Prince Charles Park as they were found drinking alcohol and are also being investigated in relation to an alleged murder.
Police responded to a report of a fight in progress at Prince Charles Park where the seven were arrested.
A 22year old man from Nakolia, Nawaka was found lying unconscious with visible injuries.
The victim was pronounced dead at the Nadi Hospital.
A taxi driver was arrested along Vitogo Parade as he had allegedly breached Ministry of Health Guidelines on Public Service Vehicles.
In the Eastern Division three men were arrested for breaching curfew restrictions, whereas in the Northern Division a 27year old man and a 20year old woman were arrested at Delailabasa during curfew hours returning from a grog session.
As alcohol and yaqona continues to be a contributing factor in the daily arrests, we will continue to strictly enforce these restrictions to assist the Ministry of Health’s efforts in containing the virus.
Any police officer who is found breaching these restrictions will face both criminal and internal disciplinary measures as we should be leading by example in complying with these important life saving measures.
Rusiate Tudravu
ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
