A civil servant remains admitted at the Labasa Hospital while another has been discharged following an alleged assault by a group of intoxicated youths in Cakaudrove.
The two were among the six Public Works Department (PWD) workers who were on board a vehicle that veered off the road at a settlement in Natewa where the youths were drinking.
Acting Prime Minister Filimoni Vosarogo said the Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has directed a team to investigate the matter and pursue and question suspects.
He has described the incident as shocking and unacceptable and warned that assaulting civil servants in the line of their duties would not be tolerated.
“Do not touch civil servants. Civil servants come to work for you,” he said. “We have had nurses, doctors, teachers who have been the subject of community antagonism. Now this.
“It will not be tolerated. Treat your civil servants with civility and respect. ”
“To those who took part in the stoning, assault and stealing of items from the injured civil servants, make no mistake, the law will reach you.
He also urged Government workers to prioritise their safety.
“If civil servants who have to travel have any doubt about their safety, I will urge them to request police escort to conduct their business where they need to deliver service.
“While taking service to the public and serving the public in their respective stations are important, their lives and safety are paramount.”
Infrastructure Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau has described it as an attack on the very people driving Fiji’s development.
“It’s very important that our workers operate in a secure and supportive environment. Lack of security and the stoppage of services will affect entire communities.”
“Let’s support one another and work together to curb anti-social behaviour in our society.”
