Raiwai Terror

It was like watching a violent movie scene. This was how the residents of Nairai Road in Raiwai described the violent behaviour that unfolded yesterday morning.

Several said they were traumatised. Women and children of the neighbourhood watched in shock as a group of young men got off a black prius vehicle and tried to enter the housing estate in Raiwai armed with knives to confront a group of men in the area.

This was when the scuffle and terrifying violence erupted. According to residents, the men who came in the black prius vehicle were overpowered and one was admitted in hospital severely injured.

Fiji Police Force chief operations officer, ACP Abdul Khan, said they would ensure that those involved would be arrested and face the consequences of their actions.

The damage to a vehicle as a result of the brawl in Raiwai, Suva on August 14, 2022.

Street Violence Creates Unsafe Space for Children

Psychologist, Selina Kuruleca has said such incidents created an unsafe environment for children. She said children learn the most from behaviours they see around them.

She advised parents and guardians to talk to children who witnessed the incident that such acts were not how conflicts are resolved.

As evident in the video of the Raiwai incident that had gone viral on social media, children were seen nearby watching the attack unfold.

“Everybody has the right to feel safe in their own homes and neighbourhood, and defend their own properties,” Ms Kuruleca said.

“The fact that children were there at their own homes and witnessing the attack, every curious child would want to go out and see.”

She suggested people look back at traditional channels of leadership, traditional laws that used to exist and also look at religion.

“We have the Fiji Finals (CocaCola games), and if people can’t control their temper or what anger issues are going on, we need to call for a wider community ‘Talanoa’ session or ‘Veivakasavasava taki’ (reconciliation),” she said.

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