Night attacks on the rise again, worries taxi drivers and operators

Taxi operators in the Suva-Nausori corridor claim that attacks on their drivers have increased as their service extends into the night.

Fiji Taxi Union general secretary Ashwin Lal said they had received reports from their drivers about the robberies.

“There have been a few cases and one of them led to the death of a driver. We are concerned,” Mr Lal said.

“We hope that proactive measures are taken by drivers. We are also hoping that the Police will continue to have their presence felt at some locations. COVID-19 restrictions have eased, but we hope Police presence is increased.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said taxi operators and association members were encouraged to link up with their respective Divisional Police Commanders and Divisional Traffic Officers to address issues regarding their operations and safety.

Mr Lal said they were seeing a trend of the attacks taking place in and around the capital city and Nasinu.

He said taxi operators have been told to be cautious of whom they took in the taxis.

Some taxi operators have put in two-way dash cameras, which record passengers onboard and the front of the vehicle.

Avinesh Pal, a taxi driver from Laucala Beach Estate, said he was robbed earlier this year in Lami. Since then, he has been wary of where he picks up passengers from.

“The actions of some people means that some drivers will not stop for people genuinely looking for transport,” he said.

Vijendra Singh, a Toorak taxi driver, said: “I have heard from taxi drivers who have been robbed that some people are bent on hurting you even if you give them all your cash,” he said.