Wave of violent crime grips Fiji

[posted 15 Nov 2004, 1300]

A wave of violent crime has hit Fiji over the past few weeks, leaving Police hunting for suspects.  The crimes, ranging from a homocide to robberies have shocked citizens of Fiji, who are quite used to hearing of crime in the country.

The most shocking of the cases involved the murder of 27-year old Vikash Maharaj in his Tamavua home.  Thieves broke into the home and demanded money from the victim's father.  Startled by the noise, the son came outside to investigate and was stabbed by one of the assailants.  He died as a result of excessive blood loss en-route to medical care.

Police conducted a house-to-house search in an attempt to gather evidence and find witnesses.  The Police Commissioner has called on the individuals responsible to come forward to gain the leniency of the law.  No arrests have been made so far.

The murder comes as Police have confirmed that there exist criminal gangs, consisting of unemployed youths, who are targeting the homes of Suva's business community.  These thieves are organized and choose to attack individuals in their homes.  

On November 9, six men from the Western Division robbed Tappoo employees in Sigatoka  of over half-a-million dollars worth of cash, cheques, and foreign currency.  The individuals were later apprehended trying to avoid an LTA checkpoint.

Fiji is quite accustomed to robberies and violent crime.  Still, the incidents of the past few weeks have left many in the country shaking their head.

The government seems even more confused about combating crime.  It's dismal record on job creation is perhaps the greatest factor for rising crime in Fiji.  The unemployment situation in Fiji will not be getting any better.  The 2005 budget announced by the government last week forecasts almost negligible economic growth--far below the level required to add jobs to the economy.

With these realities, the Police may have to learn to deal with an even greater case-load, as crime in Fiji does not look to slow down.