Cabbie found dead
Taxidrivers fear for safety
TAXIDRIVERS are fearing for their safety after a 27-year-old cabbie was found dead at Waisali Hill in Savusavu yesterday.
Fiji Taxi Association’s general secretary Ashwin Lal told The Fiji Times this was a serious matter as two drivers have been found dead within four months.
“A similar incident was recorded in Qalitu, Lautoka, last December,” he said.
He said authorities should be concerned that taxidrivers were no longer safe.
“We are asking relevant authorities to take appropriate action.
“Our request for some amendments to be made to the law have fallen on deaf ears over the years.”
He urged drivers to take necessary precautions when picking up passengers.
“If you feel you are not safe, take the passenger to the police station, and ask for officers to take a picture of him or her.
“You also give them your details then drop off your passengers.”
The case has not yet been classified as murder, but Divisional Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrodroka said visible wounds were
Our request for some amendments to be made to the law have fallen on deaf ears over the years
– Ashwin Lal
found on the taxidriver.
“An investigation is underway following the discovery of the body,” Mr Baledrodroka said.
An eyewitness, Isimeli Taito, who saw the body while travelling down from Seaqaqa, said there were stab marks on the victim’s neck and chest.
“There were also stains inside the car and a piece of cloth outside the taxi was full of blood,” he said.
Mr Taito said the body of the driver was five minutes away from the taxi.
“There were footprints found and a pair of sandals,” he said.
In an interview with this newspaper, SSP Baledrokadroka said investigations were in its initial stages.
“After a long time, for such incidents to occur in the Northern Division,” he said.
“Our officers at the Savusavu and Labasa police stations were at the scene trying to gather information.”
A police statement on Facebook confirmed a search conducted around the area led to the discovery of the body.