Father of Four Beaten and Robbed in Suva
“Burglaries and thefts are becoming prevalent in the country, and things are getting out of hand.”
Thursday 17 July 2025 | 23:02
Viliame Turaga with his swollen eye after he was assaulted by a group of thugs last Saturday.
The Fiji Police Force yesterday confirmed a mugging incident at Usher Street, Suva last Saturday evening where a 45-year-old victim was assaulted and robbed of $2700.
Viliame Turaga, a diver, a fish vendor and a father of four children from Tamavua-i-wai settlement said what he thought was going to be a normal evening turned out almost fatal after four iTaukei men assaulted him before a grey hybrid 1.8 taxi pulled up.
Mr Turaga confirmed he didn’t know the men, but he was helpless against the four men with fists constantly thrown at him.
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“I tried to fight back but then the taxi arrived, I saw three men inside; the driver and two other passengers,” Mr Turaga said.
“One of them called out telling me to get in; but when I got in; they locked the doors, beat me and reached for my pocket.”
Mr Turaga explained the taxi turn before MHCC and then headed for Toorak Street.
“As we approached the 786 shop, I escaped with my hands held at the door; I was literally dragged by the moving taxi,” he said.
“I don’t know why they would do this to me, but it is scary.
“This is what’s happening in our streets now; people are resorting to stealing and mugging in order to survive.”
He lodged a report at the Totogo Police Station, but the CCTV footage could not clearly capture the taxi plate number.
Businessman Joe Raisele who assists Mr Turaga in his fishing business, is calling on Police to help serve justice.
“Knowing that this is what has become of our Fiji, where boundaries have been breached, Police need to step up and make sure justice is served,” Mr Raisele said.
“Burglaries and thefts are becoming prevalent in the country, and things are getting out of hand.”
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