Four deserve recognition for helping Police arrest three men

Mosese Lomani, Isikeli Teu, Virimi Lomasalato and Mereoni Aditonawa deserve their recognition after “their selfless actions led to the arrest of three men for a case of alleged aggravated robbery and theft”.

According to Police, they were instrumental in the arrest of the suspects who allegedly robbed a 31-yearold manager after forcefully opening his car and stealing a bag. He had pulled over to the side of Ratu Dovi Road to check on his daughter, who was crying. One of the accused ran away with a bag containing cash and assorted items towards the Nadera Public Rental Board housing complex.

Fifty-seven-year-old Ms Aditonawa from Levukai-Yale in Kadavu saw one of the accused fleeing the alleged crime scene and shouted for help. Mr Lomani, Mr Teu and Mr Lomasalato chased the suspects, caught them and handed them over to Police.

They were treated to a morning tea at the Valelevu Police Station as a token of the Police Commissioner’s appreciation.

They are rightly called by the Police as heroes for their bravery for putting their lives at risk by pursuing the suspects and executing a citizen’s arrest.

Not only did they show bravery, but they set an example for the rest of us on how we can help the Police where possible to fight crime.

There have been cases in the past where daylight robberies were committed, but people at the crime scene did not try to stop the suspects.

While people are warned by Police not to go near dangerous criminals, these four have displayed exceptional courage to stand up against what is not right.

Robbing people is not right. The suspects took advantage of a person in a vulnerable situation and pounced on him.

Crimes like this always worry people. They do not know what’s lurking out there. The offenders usually employ the element of surprise. For victims, the experience can be highly traumatic.

Police need public co-operation to combat crime in terms of gathering intelligence and passing on information to Police. Our new heroes have taken it to a new level. They chased the suspects and apprehended them.

They are in line for a bravery medal in the next New Year’s Honours List for their inspirational act of bravery and compassion.