NFA investigating alleged misconduct of officers

National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer, Puamau Sowane, confirmed investigations into the alleged misconduct of Rakiraki Fire Station officers is underway. This was after video footage arose of a shop owner confronting a senior officer on site after witnessing authority officers allegedly stealing $2000 worth of recharge cards, cigarette packs and $350 cash from his shop last weekend after a fire broke out in the building next to his shop in Rakiraki.

In a statement released yesterday Mr Sowane said these allegations were being taken seriously.

“Mr Sowane said that he has also received reports of alleged misconduct levelled at our fire officers during the course of the incident and he confirms that internal investigations are being conducted to verify these allegations and any confirmation of misconduct will result in serious disciplinary action,” the statement read.

“NFA CEO says that we have our policies and procedures and officers who are confirmed to have behaved unprofessionally during the course of our duty will face serious consequences in accordance with our Policies and Procedures.”

The shop owner, Sachin Deo, said he was saddened at the abuse of authority by the officers

“I was watching from the other side because I couldn’t go inside, but I saw one of the officers take a handful of recharge cards and another handful of cigarette packs, stuff them in his overalls, then walked off,” he said.

“The fire didn’t reach the drawers where I kept the recharge cards, cigarettes and $350 cash, that was all gone when I went to check later on.”

He said when no immediate action was taken, he lodged a Police report.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, confirmed a report was lodged by Mr Deo.

“We are still investigating and have yet to identify the suspects at this point of the investigations,” she said.