Cost of investigating cases is ‘astronomical’

THE cost of investigating cases of missing children is “astronomical”, says Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu.

He said a lot of time was devoted in administration and operational works related to missing children investigations.

“It is no doubt astronomical in terms of man hours, cost and mobilisation of resources,” Mr Seruiratu said. He said the work of police could be made easier with the assistance of the community if cases of missing children were reported in a timely manner.

He added that a conducive environment had to be created at home to stop children from deserting their homes.

A total of 723 people were reported missing in Fiji for the period 2014-2019.

Of this number — 37 children remain missing.

Picture: VAAJU.COM Thirty-seven children remain missing in Fiji from the 723 cases reported to police since 2014.

Picture: FILE Seruiratu.