What in the world is happening? What were they thinking? Were they even thinking about the consequences of their actions? Is it really that easy for some people to become so reckless and inconsiderate?
A brazen lunchtime smuggling attempt at the Suva Corrections Centre was thwarted after officers intercepted a package containing marijuana, methamphetamine, suki, mobile phones and other prohibited items, including a lighter, chocolates, chewing gum and snacks.
Imagine that.
In broad daylight.
No sense of fear of being caught. No regard for the reason people are imprisoned, and no respect for the rehabilitation process that is supposed to help offenders turn their lives around.
We wonder what in the world is happening to us as a nation when such incidents are highlighted.
They expose a disturbing willingness by some people to undermine the very institutions that are there to protect society and encourage change.
It forces us to question the values being taught in homes and communities. It makes us reflect on just how fragile society has become, and how vulnerable some people are to poor choices and destructive influences.
It raises uncomfortable questions about the kind of citizens we are nurturing, and whether we are doing enough to instil honesty, integrity, accountability and respect for the law.
Thankfully, CCTV cameras captured the suspects and their getaway vehicle, triggering a police manhunt. That swift response should reassure the public that security measures are working, while also serving as a warning that those who seek to break the law will be pursued.
Now, as police investigations continue, we are left to reflect on what truly matters.
Our correctional facilities are there to punish wrongdoing and to rehabilitate offenders, preparing them to re-enter society as law-abiding citizens.
Smuggling drugs, mobile phones and other prohibited items into prison goes against that. It weakens prison discipline and robs inmates of a genuine opportunity to change.
We say doing the right thing is the foundation of a decent society. Assisting prisoners to bypass prison rules is irresponsible, unlawful and damaging to rehabilitation.
We must reject conduct that undermines reform. Those who sabotage rehabilitation are not helping prisoners at all.
What has happened here is not a great sign. We say every effort must be made to bring those who are behind what happened here, to face justice.
All they are doing is prolonging the very cycle of offending that imprisonment is intended to break. Again, this isn’t something we want as a nation. Our corrections facilities should be places where men and women are rehabilitated and get a second chance at life.
