Police have clarified the events surrounding a viral video showing the recovery of two children from their mother, urging the public to understand the full context before commenting on social media.
Raiwaqa Police received a Recovery Order from the Nadi Family Court at 9pm on Wednesday, directing officers to supervise the return of the children and ensure there was no breach of the peace.
They say that prior to executing the order, an officer discussed the matter with the children’s mother, who eventually agreed to cooperate and handed over the children to the applicant.
They add that it was during this recovery process that relatives reportedly attempted to interfere, escalating the situation, which was captured on video and widely shared online.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu says officers were performing their duties in line with the court order and that the situation could have been avoided if all parties had cooperated.
He says they empathise with the children and what the families are going through; however, they also have a duty to carry out the court order.
He says that while they respect the use of social media to raise opinions and issues, they are urging members of the public to try to get both sides of the story before commenting unnecessarily.
Tudravu is encouraging families to resolve matters privately rather than through social media, warning that online posts can attract unhelpful reactions and cause further harm.
