Throwing water at motorists or people travelling on public transport during the New Year celebration is illegal.

This is a warning issued by the Fiji Police Force and confirmed by the police spokesperson Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri.

“Under the Crime Decree 2009 they can be charged under `Common nuisance’ and the penalty is one year imprisonment,” he said.

“People should heed this warning. As people gear up for the celebration, they had already planned for the activities they were going to do and throwing water is part of it.”

Traditionally, he said when someone threw water and wet a colleague, new clothes were given to replace the wet ones.

He reminded people that they might be throwing water for fun but they should be thinking of its repercussion.

The Director Traffic, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mahesh Mishra said there was an incident in the past where someone threw water at a driver resulting in an accident since he lost control of the vehicle.

He said for the New Year celebration, traffic officers will be on the beat and will be closely monitoring people throwing water at drivers.

“It is illegal and must be stopped,” he said.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

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