Olympian, Ratu Meli Derenalagi is among the Horse Patrol Operation team in Nawaka.

Tui Nawaka, Ratu Asaeli Driu said with the involvement of Ratu Meli , it would boost young people in the community to stay away from criminal activities and strive for a better future.

He added that the operation would lessen crime in their community.

Ratu Asaeli Driu said the Nadi Community Policing with the Nawaka Crime Prevention Committee had launched 25 Horses Patrol Platoon on Saturday.

Those CPC horse platoons would be accompanied with a police officer to patrol every area of Nawaka especially in the night.

“There were crime activities conducted in places where police couldn’t reach on foot or even their vehicles. That is why horses were used,” Ratu Asaeli said.

He added that the involvement of Ratu Meli in the horse operation will boost young people in their community.

CPC Advisor and also Director of Al-Hamd Smart Living, Ashaaq Khan said with Horse policing they could cover a wide range of areas with lower cost of operation.

“The presence of horses not only helps combat crime but also brings stability , especially for kids when they see police on horse it brings a long term good memory to them.”

Mr Khan said they were fortunate to have Meli Derenalagi who hails from the Nawaka chiefly family who was not only a rugby star but also a motivator to many youths.

“His whole family is actively involved in bringing stability in our Nadi community at large together with the presence of his uncle Apisai and Semisi Naevo who are actively involved in the forefront,” he added.

Police constable Penijamini Vukivou said the operation was another means of community policing in the area.

Edited by Selita Rabuku

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