Businesswoman Allegedly Robbed, Attacked

The recent alleged robbery and attack of a businesswoman in Lautoka on Wednesday has left many shaken and calling for swift action by Police.

Items alleged stolen are yet to be determined, however Police confirmed that a 27-year-old man of Lautoka is in custody for allegedly robbing a 50-year-old businesswoman.

The Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime) Mesake Waqa said Police would facilitate the Lautoka business community’s request for more Police presence.

Known as Ms Loriza, the owner of Brand Access Wholesale and Retailers Shop located at Nede Street was allegedly robbed and attacked on Wednesday.

She is admitted at the Lautoka Aspen Hospital in stable condition. Clearence Shed staff Sachin Kumar said he did not witness the incident taking place however he heard a commotion coming from Ms Loriza’s Shop shortly after he saw her.

“She came to the shop to ask for change for her $100 five to 10 minutes before that incident happened.

She knocked on the glass from outside and showed the money in her hand then my staff said they didn’t have the change,” he said.

“We couldn’t hear clearly, but we saw people running towards the shop then we went there and we saw her on the ground.

A man went that side with his family to buy clothes then he saw her legs and the blood coming from her head” he said.

He said the customer took Ms Loriza to the hospital.

She was claimed to be unconscious.

“Police should patrol those areas because a lot of glue sniffers hang around there and even one woman who always roams around, comes and swears at us or throws stones,” he said.

Lautoka Chamber of Commerce and Industry vice president Muni Rajan said they were concerned on the series of alleged robberies in Lautoka.

“We do not condone such actions and we are ready to work with Police. We understand that Police investigations are underway,” he said.

Lautoka Residents and Ratepayers Association spokesperson Narayan Reddy said he was saddened to hear that culprits targeting business owners “Now that the police station moved back to its original location, we are hopeful that at least that there will be more Police presence during this festive season.

These incidents will happen more frequently since people are desperate for money,” he said.

Lautoka and Ba Board of Special Administrators chairperson Anil Amin said Police presence would make the business community feel a sense of security.

“Now businesses will have to think of ways to protect their shops but police presence is very important because it will deter offenders from doing this.

Shop keepers and the public must also work together to keep properties safe, we should also be vigilant with our movement because safety is paramount,” he said.

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