Iowane Savenca a real community hero for catching a grab and run suspect in Suva

Iowane Savenaca, deserves a bravery medal for chasing and catching an alleged grab and run suspect. He is a real patriot and a community hero for risking his life to recover a stolen mobile phone.

This incident happened close to a previous one where a woman was dragged from inside the bus by a man who tried to snatch her bag.

In contrast to the latest case, none of the passengers intervened to help the woman thinking they were husband and wife.

The violent way she was dragged down the bus stairs should have pricked their conscience that this kind of violence was unacceptable and unlawful. They should have acted to protect the woman.

In this latest case, Mr Savenaca had no second thoughts even though it was just a phone snatched from the owner’s hands. The principle is the same. He knew it was wrong and did something about.

In the process he nearly got bumped by another vehicle.

It is civic-minded people like him who inspire good in our communities. They go out of their way to help others in distress and in need. They also send out a strong message to would-be offenders – do not try it - you will be caught and pay for your crime – it’s not worth it.

These are not isolated incidents. They have been happening, but people have not reported them to the Police.

Grab and run incidents and pickpockets appear to be on the rise. The perpetrators are petty criminals looking for the quick bucks.

While people are advised to secure their bags, jewelleries, phones and valuables we should also be on a lookout for would-be criminals.

And if we are able to stop a grab and run suspect or a pickpocket then we should act and follow Mr Savenaca’s example.

His inspirational act of courage symbolises what we can do to help Police fight crime.

Police Chief Operations Officer Abdul Khan recognised Mr Savenaca’s heroic act and praised him for his bravery.

Imagine if more people have the same mentality as Mr Savenaca’s? Our communities will be a lot safer because we will all be looking out for each other.

One thing that stood out was that his father was a former Police constable.

He is Mr Savenaca’s inspiration. No one told him to jump from the bus and chase the suspect. It was instinct because he saw it and felt that it was wrong, and he had to act.

And act he did. He was right because it was the right spirit.

Feedback: nemani.delaibatiki@fijisun.com.fj