The Land Transport Authority (LTA) a checkpoint on Naseakula Road where a police officer was hit by a cane truck resulting in his death was properly set up.
CEO Irimaia Rokosawa said allegations that the checkpoint lacked proper warning signs or used incorrect cones are not supported by the evidence.
Post-collision technical assessments found the truck involved had no mechanical defects. Instead, the crash resulted from the driver’s “alleged failure to stop when directed by an authorised officer” — a decision made even more dangerous in wet conditions while hauling a sugarcane load.
“These findings point to driver negligence and a disregard for road safety,” he said.
Mr Rokosawa noted that LTA’s joint operations with Police address a wide range of high-risk behaviours, not just defective vehicles.
“Road fatalities have risen to 72 as of November 28, compared to 56 for the same period last year. It is unfortunate and misleading to shift blame onto officers who were performing their duties to keep all road users safe.”
He urged the public to rely on verified information while investigations continue.
“We understand that misinformation can spread quickly during moments of public distress, but we ask the public to trust the process as authorities complete their full investigation.”
