The streets of Suva City like Mark Street now have a number of street kids hassling people almost on a daily basis.
Many people continue to contact fijivillage News about this, and are calling on the authorities to take action.
At lunch time today, there was an altercation between a female Police Officer and a street kid along Mark Street when the officer intervened to stop one of the street kids hassling members of the public.
People are calling for immediate action as they say there is a rise in these activities where street kids are hassling and even robbing people.
Most of these street kids are of school age.
Under compulsory education provisions in the Education Act approved by parliament in May this year, parents whose children are not enrolled in school can be fined up to $500, face imprisonment for up to 2 months, or both.
According to the Education Act 2025, the Permanent Secretary is responsible for ensuring compliance and may issue directives to parents, including legal guardians, if a child is not enrolled or attending school.
Exemptions may be granted by the Minister for valid reasons, and school heads are required to report any non-compliance to the Permanent Secretary.
We have contacted Police, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and Ministry for Children Sashi Kiran.
Police Chief of Operations, ACP Kasiano Vusonilawe says their divisional operations team has been directed to enforce the Minor Offences Act to curb such incidents.
He adds Police support the operations headed by the Ministry of Social Welfare in the removal of homeless people from the streets, and with street kids there have been several operations conducted to return street children and youths to their homes.
ACP Vusonilawe says a holistic approach is needed and Police are involved.
The Minister for Education and the Minister for Children are yet to comment.
Stay with us for updates.
