Police Chief: Stick to facts, not rumours

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has urged Fijians to stop spreading unverified information and instead rely on facts.

Mr Tudravu assured the public that police officers involved in wrongdoing would be held accountable.

Speaking on the Department of Information's Voqa Ni Davui programme, Mr Tudravu acknowledged that the Fiji Police Force faced significant challenges and admitted there were weaknesses within the institution that needed to be addressed.

"There are a lot of challenges faced in the Fiji Police Force. There are weaknesses too that need to be improved," he said.

Mr Tudravu stressed that the force had nothing to hide and that any officer found to have committed a crime would face the consequences.

"I don't have anything to hide. If officers are found to be involved in any crime, they will face the consequences," he said.

"Any officer committing a crime will be investigated. If found guilty, the officer will be removed from the Fiji Police Force."

The Police Commissioner also expressed concern about the spread of misinformation, particularly on social media.

"We now need to talk on evidence and no nonsense. If the allegation is correct, then let the law take its course," he said.

"We should stop relying on social media for the truth, although that is their right. People need to know the facts before spreading information."

Mr Tudravu said investigations into various matters were continuing and urged the public to remain patient as authorities worked through the processes.

"Other investigations are ongoing. We are handling them properly, but it will take time. We are working on improving our service," he said.

The Commissioner thanked provinces, churches and members of the public for their continued support and called on all Fijians to work together in building a safer nation.

"We have done our part, and we need you to support us," he said.

He urged the public to "stick to facts and stop spreading information that is not true".