A taxi driver allegedly assaulted by two men in Labasa last week claims his call for help was ignored by police officers who had responded to the incident.
Aiyaz Dean Mohammed, in an interview with this newspaper, said he was not taken to the hospital by the officers despite being severely injured.
“The private car believed to be operating illegally as a taxi came out of nowhere and blocked my way, then the two men came out of the car and began punching me,” Mr Mohammed said.
Mr Mohammed claimed he was told by the police officers he would be charged for making an illegal U-turn.
“At least, they could’ve looked into my plea first as I was heavily bleeding and then take me to the hospital.
“I would have accepted this if they had looked into my issues first.”
He said he lost two teeth in the assault and was hospitalised.
Labasa Taxi Association president Mahend Prasad claimed some traffic officers were not conducting their duties diligently.
He said Labasa cab drivers were now working in an environment of fear after the assault on Mr Mohammed.
Divisional Police Commander SSP Kemueli Baledrokadroka declined to comment.
“I (was) only aware of this after Mr Prasad raised the issue with me,” he said.
“The incident happened on Tuesday while the report was lodged on Friday.”
However, in regards to the assault, SSP Baledrokadroka said an investigation was ongoing.
“We have received surveillance footage regarding the alleged incident.”
He said the suspects were believed to be from Suva.
