Knifing Incident Concerns Kashmir Residents

Residents at one of Lautoka’s densely populated suburbs have called for more Police vigilance after the rise in youth violence in the neighbourhood. A recent stabbing incident and youths walking around with cane knives following a fight which was recorded on CCTV has shocked the Kashmir community more following a carjacking incident in September last year.

Police have confirmed that patrols had been stepped up in the area following the carjacking incident which was caught on CCTV cameras belonging to Hari Lal Investments. The carjacking incident on September 22 last year involving a family was caught on the same cameras. Eight men were arrested then. Residents who wished to remain anonymous told the Fiji Sun, the recent incident was shocking, because it happened when people were still walking about and going to the shop. Four residents did not wish to give their names in fear of being targeted. The incident, on January 7, began with some youths drinking in an empty spot beside the shop. Residents say this was being done more often now. The CCTV footage shows the youths accosting some men who arrived in a car requesting for cigarettes and then a fight breaks out. This is when one of the youths who came in the car was alleged to have stabbed one of the youths who had asked for cigarettes. The two in the car are then seen running away, leaving their vehicle in front of the shop. The youths followed them down the road. A short while later, some other youths, holding cane knives, are seen chasing those who had been drinking up towards the shop. They then retrieve the vehicle and left.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro said a Police team on patrol came across the incident and took the victim, to the hospital after he was allegedly struck with a knife. Ms Naisoro said once discharged from the hospital the victim lodged a report. Investigations continues and as Police were yet to receive a medical report.

“As for the residents, since the carjacking case, patrols in the area have been increased and we have yet to record any other major incidents,” she said. “This is another case where alcohol is involved, however, as the investigations are continuing we will not want to speculate further.” Edited by Rusiate Mataika

CCTV footage shows knifing and other youths carrying cane knives in a public area with residents still walking around the area.

The pictures above were taken from CCTV footage of the confrontation and fighting that transpired after some youths tried to forcefully request cigarettes from two men who came in a car and had bought cigarettes from the Kashmir shop.