As New Year celebrations continue with the tradition of throwing water on family and friends, Police are calling on all parents to inform their children that splashing water on moving vehicles is against the law.
This comes after a bus driver was splashed with water while driving, and concerns were raised about residents and children from Laqere Settlement in Nasinu throwing water at people on buses travelling along the highway.
While responding to questions by fijivillage News in a press statement, Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Livai Driu says a video has surfaced on social media showing a bus driver as the latest victim.
He says such actions can cause accidents, potentially leading to injuries or even fatalities.
Driu is urging people to celebrate responsibly and refrain from throwing water on moving vehicles.
He says people throwing water can be investigated under Section 15 of Minor Offences Act 1971 or Section 269 on Negligent Acts Causing Harm of the Crimes Act 2009.
Driu says the offence could escalate to murder charges, depending on the seriousness of injuries sustained by victims.
He stresses that children are not aware of the serious consequence of their actions, and it is the parents' job to inform them.
Driu says even adults in communities can talk to the children doing such acts to stop.
He says police officers are actively monitoring such incidents and will continue to do so, and adds that we should look out for one another and assist in ensuring everyone's safety.
