A viral social media picture depicting a heated exchange between police officers and a local vendor is not what it seems, according to the woman at the centre of the footage.
The picture, captured by a passerby, sparked online outrage with suggestions that officers were harassing 29-year-old Nunia Kalougata for making an honest living along Ratu Dovi Road, Nasinu.
However, Ms Kalougata has since clarified that the narrative on social media is entirely incorrect, affirming that the officers were simply performing their due diligence.
A mother of three young boys, aged six, two, and a two-month-old infant, Ms Kalougata has been selling around the vicinity of the Challengers Plaza, Laucala Beach for approximately six years.
She maintains that her business is fully compliant with the Nasinu Town Council regulations.
“I have acquired a Health License to sell food and an approval letter from the property owner,” Ms Kalougata said, confirming her right to operate in front of the premises.
Despite the “commotion” captured on camera, Ms Kalougata defended the conduct of the authorities.
“The police officers were just doing their jobs, and in no way did their approach was threatening or harassing,” Ms Kalougata highlighted.
