Residents of LP Maharaj Field 40 in Lautoka are living in fear as stoning incidents continue in their neighbourhood, to the extent that the community is providing chairs, a table, a tent and a solar light to support police patrols in exchange for regular monitoring.
Community Chair Elia Bolawaqatabu informed fijivillage News that a group of youths have been stoning houses, targeting people sitting in their porch.
He says the community had earlier approached the Turaga ni Koro after identifying those responsible, but the attacks worsened.
Bolawaqatabu says that while police have been conducting foot patrols, things have been quieter over the past two weeks, however, the residents remain fearful at night.
He further says that the community wishes to have a police officer present at night and not just carrying out foot patrol and returning to the station, but staying in the area to monitor.
Meanwhile, concerns were also raised that the Lautoka Police Station has only one vehicle.
Responding to this, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirms that Lautoka Police Station has more than one vehicle available.
Tudravu urges members of the public to contact the Police Headquarters if complaints are not addressed at the station level.
He says complaints of police inaction will be investigated, and improving service delivery remains their main focus.
He adds that they aim to regain the confidence and trust of members of the public in all areas.
