Police investigators are calling on anyone who was a victim of the Victoria Parade attacks in Suva to come forward because they need to link the suspects to the crimes, says Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro.

She said one man had come forward, but could not positively identify the suspects who were taken into custody over the weekend.

“We need witnesses or anyone who can positively identify and link those involved in the attacks,” Ms Naisoro said.

“The suspects taken in over the weekend have been cautioned, interviewed and released, however, they may be brought in again for questioning.

“There are other victims whom we are hoping will come forward to assist with the ongoing investigations because their statements will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case.”

The case of the Victoria Parade attacks went viral after CCTV footage of the incident was circulated on social media.

Businesses note declining customers

Businesses operating along Victoria Parade have taken a hit as customer numbers declined as a result of the recent cases of muggings in the area.

Last week’s attack was the final blow, said Maya Dhaba manager Harminder Singh.

The restaurant has been operating in the area for the past 12 years.

“Muggings in the area have been common in the past too, but the last three to four months, it has really increased,” Mr Singh said.

“Even my staff have been mugged here a couple of times. But, the recent incident was extreme and it’s a call for Police to increase foot patrols in these areas, which have become hotspots for muggings.”

He said he was losing at least 20 to 30 per cent of his customers because of these recent incidents.

“Local families, even my own acquaintances and family friends do not want to come with their children here because the environment has become unsafe,” he said.

“Police are saying they will patrol on foot, and that would help especially in these areas where muggings are common.”

He believes Police visibility will send a clear message to the culprits that they cannot get away with such crimes.

Mugging victim recounts incident

A victim has come forward after he was beaten brutally in a separate mugging incident last Sunday morning.

Etuate Tuqota, on his Facebook page, posted that he was alone looking for a taxi to go home when he was mugged.

“I have been robbed so many times in the past year (all around Suva at night), I make it a point to leave all my belongings at home and only take cash when I go out,” he said in his post.

“Which is why I got stomped on by four or five guys trying to locate my non-existent phone.”

Agreeing with suggestions on social media, Mr Tuqota noted increasing Police foot patrols between McDonald’s and Dragons Nightclub, with a temporary mobile station set up in front of the Suva Library would help ease the tension in Victoria Parade.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro is urging victims of robberies to lodge reports with the Police so that they could investigate the matter.

“If people do not report such incidents then obviously Police cannot take action,” she said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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