Stoning of buses An act of thuggery That must be Condemned in The strongest Possible terms
It is a matter of grave concern that some buses carrying Rewa Rugby Union fans were stoned in Wainibuka, Tailevu, last Saturday night as they returned home after their team’s victory against Ra in the semi-final of the Vodafone Vanua Championship at Garvey Park in Tavua.
So far it has been confirmed that a 60-year-old Navatuyaba villager, Toga, Rewa was injured. As horrifying stories of the incidents began filtering through, the Rewa Rugby Union has lodged a formal complaint with the Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu who, incidentally is from Wainibuka. It is alleged that the incidents happened near Naqia Village. Not only were stones thrown at the buses but also waste water mixed with what smelt like urine. The union has said that Mr Tudravu has assured that he will make sure that those responsible would be brought to justice.
It has appealed to the fans to leave this issue to the Police to handle instead of trying to escalate it. Mr Tudravu, no doubt, will be personally concerned and upset that the incidents happened on his home turf. He is also chairman of the Tailevu Provincial Council of which Wainibuka is a member.
The area in question is a deeply religious enclave and so the incidents would come as a shock and embarrassment to the bulk of the local population. This case has sullied the good name and reputation of the area.
It is alleged that a group of young people was involved. The perpetrators should be rounded up and go through the justice process to show the public that their act was unacceptable and they would be held accountable.
In those buses that night were families, men, women, youths and children whose lives were at risk. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. But that does not lessen the seriousness of this criminal act. The Police need to nip it in the bud and warn others not to try it.
They will need the support of the community leaders to help them in their investigations.
In fact all the stakeholders including parents, religious leaders, social and sports groups need to meet, discuss this issue and come up with solutions to ensure that it does not happen again.