People getting released on bail for $200 after breaching the curfew is not a good deterrent - Qiliho

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says he personally thinks people getting released on bail for $200 after breaching the curfew is not a good deterrent.

When asked by Fijivillage on how Police feel about people being released on bail for as low as $200 and with the high number of curfew breaches, Commissioner Qiliho says this is not enough.

People continue to disregard the social gathering and curfew restrictions as 40 people were arrested for breaching social gathering restrictions which includes three Police officers and a security guard who were arrested at the Colo-i-Suva Community Post yesterday morning for allegedly having a grog session.

More than 540 people have breached the curfew restrictions since it started last Monday.

21 people were arrested for breaching curfew hours in the last 24 hours.

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says they have a zero-tolerance policy and enough awareness has been conducted on what everyone needs to do and they will not be accepting any excuses.

Qiliho says Police officers flouting these measures will feel the full brunt of the law and will also face the internal disciplinary measures.

Two Police officers were caught drunk and driving in Labasa during the curfew hours last Thursday. They have also been charged.

Eight people were arrested in Nabua after they were allegedly found drinking yaqona in a grog shop.

In Lautoka four youths who were found gathering under a mango tree were warned to disperse but allegedly refused to do so and have been arrested.

Meanwhile, Qiliho says people should call Police immediately if they witness people not practising physical distancing, are breaching the curfew restrictions, or are having large grog sessions or drinking parties.

The call is made to every Fijian to ensure that every fellow citizen of this nation is doing the right thing and not breaching the physical distancing instruction, nationwide curfew and lockdown restrictions in Suva, Lautoka and Soasoa.

As a responsible citizen to stop the spread of COVID-19 and ensure everyone is following the law, please call Police on 8932875 at the Central Command Centre, 9905457 at the Western Command Centre, 9905722 at the Northern Command Centre, 9905529 at the Southern Command Centre and 9905563 at the Eastern Command Centre.

People that do not follow the 8pm to 5am daily curfew can face up to 2 years imprisonment if they are convicted for Disobedience of Lawful Order.