Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, Filimoni Vosarogo, has issued a stern warning following the alleged assault of government officials in Vusasivo, Cakaudrove — declaring that violence against civil servants will not be tolerated.
Condemning the incident where a group allegedly stoned a government vehicle and attacked civil servants on duty, Mr Vosarogo described the act as “totally unacceptable.”
“Do not touch civil servants,” he warned.
“Civil servants come to work for you, and if this is how they are treated while bringing public service to your community, then don’t blame them if they choose not to attend to your needs and concerns.”
He said the repeated harassment and intimidation of government workers — including nurses, doctors, and teachers — must stop.
“It will not be tolerated. Treat your civil servants with civility and respect.”
“To those who took part in the stoning, assault and theft of items from injured civil servants — make no mistake, the law will reach you.”
The Acting Prime Minister reaffirmed that the safety and wellbeing of public servants remain a top government priority, revealing that the Commissioner of Police has directed an operations team from Savusavu to conduct inquiries and make arrests.
He also encouraged civil servants to request police escorts when assigned to areas where their safety could be at risk.
“While taking services to the people is important, the safety and lives of our civil servants are paramount.”
Mr Vosarogo extended well wishes to the injured officers, confirming that most have been discharged from hospital while one remains under medical care.
“We wish the civil servants well in their recovery. Government will ensure that all who engage in acts of violence or intimidation against public servants face the full force of the law.”
