POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu is urging family members to try and solve matters privately, rather than resorting to social media.
This following a Facebook video incident where two children were recovered from their mother.
Mr Tudravu said the Police officers were carrying out their duty in accordance with the Recovery Order, and the situation should not have escalated, if everyone had cooperated with police.
“We empathise with the children and what the families are going through, however, we also have a duty to carry out,” Mr Tudravu said.
“While we respect the use of social media to raise opinions and issues, we urge members of the public to first try to get both sides of the story, before commenting unnecessarily.”
Mr Tudravu has warned families that resorting to social media can cause more harm, attracting reactions and comments from those who do not fully understand the real situation.
According to a police statement, the Raiwaqa Police had received a Recovery Order from the Nadi Family Court on Wednesday.
The court order directed police to supervise the return of the two children, and to ensure no breach of peace.
“Prior to executing the Recovery Order, an officer discussed the matter with the children’s mother, and after some time, she agreed to cooperate, by handing over the two children to the applicant,” a statement from police said.
“It was during the recovery process that relatives tried to interfere, further aggravating the situation, which was captured on video and shared on social media.”
