Taxi association calls for mandatory jail terms after attacks on drivers

The Fiji Zone Taxi Association is calling for tougher laws, including mandatory prison terms, to better protect taxi drivers following two violent attacks on operators in Wainibokasi this month.

Association spokesperson Mohammed Shameem said the growing number of assaults and robberies involving taxi drivers was a serious concern that required urgent action from Government, Police and the judiciary.

His comments follow two separate incidents in Wainibokasi in which two taxi drivers were allegedly seriously assaulted. One of the drivers was also allegedly robbed and had his taxi stolen.

Mr Shameem, a former general secretary of the Fiji Taxi Association, said the attacks reflected a continuing pattern of violence against taxi operators.

He urged the Ministry of Defence, Fiji Police Force, Minister for Policing and the judiciary to take stronger action to protect drivers.

While advocating tougher penalties, Mr Shameem said he hoped the judiciary would consider the seriousness of such offences, noting that similar attacks over the years had devastated drivers and their families.

"There should be a minimum prison sentence of five years for anyone convicted of assaulting a taxi operator," Mr Shameem said.

"We are calling on government to seriously look into this matter. Taxi drivers provide an essential public service and undergo strict licensing requirements. They deserve greater legal protection while carrying out their duties.

"Attacks on taxi operators should be treated as serious offences and legislative changes are necessary.

"If discussions with the policing authorities and the Ministry of Justice do not result in action, we will submit petitions and consult taxi operators across all branches throughout Fiji.

"We may also organise a protest calling for mandatory prison sentences of between five and seven years for anyone who assaults or causes bodily harm to a taxi driver."

Mr Shameem said current penalties, which he said ranged from a few months to one year in prison, were not enough to deter offenders.

"People know they may receive only three or six months imprisonment for slapping, spitting at, or assaulting a driver," he said.

"That is not enough. I am calling on Government to seriously address this concern and strengthen the law to better protect taxi operators."