DEFENCE Minister Pio Tikoduadua yesterday revealed that his daughter, who was on life support, underwent three operations yesterday.
Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Tikoduadua said he left Parliament midday to be with his daughter who was critically injured after she was struck during a police pursuit of a car carrying three suspects linked to drug and robbery-related offences.
The incident occurred in the early hours of last Sunday.
His daughter was among officers manning the Laqere checkpoint in Nasinu, when it directed the vehicle to stop.
However, the driver failed to comply, leading to a pursuit towards the Tovata/Makoi area before returning to the Laqere bridge where she was hit.
A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of white substances believed to be methamphetamine, along with alleged house break-in tools.
Mr Tikoduadua said the incident highlighted the need for stronger cooperation between security forces.
“The police will now have to work with the military,” he said.
“They are already working together to uphold the rule of law, especially in fighting this escalating drug crisis.”
He also called on the public to assist authorities in addressing the issue by reporting suspicious activities.
“I’m calling on the public to cooperate and work with us, this is not only the problem of the police or the military, it’s affecting everyone.
“We cannot do this alone.”
“The Government has the responsibility to protect the forces out there fighting this crisis, because those involved in enforcing the law are now under threat from those involved in illegal activities.
“We want to prevent any more attacks and incidents from happening again.”
