Police Arrest 126 for Curfew Breach

One hundred and twenty-six arrests were made in the last 24hours with curfew and social gathering breaches continuing to be a concern in the ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Sixty-seven arrests were made for curfew breaches, 56 arrests for social gatherings, one arrest for lockdown breach in the Eastern Division and two arrests for breaching quarantine measures in the Western Division whereby two foreign nationals were arrested at the Nadi International Airport after it was discovered they had failed to self-quarantine themselves for the mandatory 14-day period. The Western Division recorded the highest number of curfew and social gathering breaches with 33 arrests and 24 arrests respectively. The Southern Division recorded 19 curfew and 10 social gathering breaches.

The East recorded 14 social gathering breaches and three curfew breaches.

The Northern Division recorded eight social gathering breaches and one curfew breach.

The Central Division recorded 11 breach of curfew arrests.

Police Commissioner Brigardier-General Sitiveni Qiliho, in a statement, said the K-9 Unit and motorcyclists were deployed last night conducting snap roadblocks.

“The 126 people arrested in the last 24 hours have shown their families and loved ones that they do not care about their lives.

“At a time where most people are celebrating Easter with their families, those arrested spent their time in Police custody awaiting their fate in a court of law this morning.”

Some of the arrested may not be produced in court until the next available court sitting next week.

Brigadier-General Qiliho warns that “If you intentionally choose to breach the COVID-19 restrictions, then be prepared to spend the long weekend in Police custody, as enough warnings have been issued and we are not going to allow a selfish lot to endanger the lives of other innocent Fijians who have been obeying the advisories given.”