Children have been charged for stealing lunches in schools, says Inspector Unaisi Mateiwai.
Speaking at a Christian rally recently, Ms Mateiwai spoke candidly about the concerning number of children reported for serious and petty crimes.
She said these young offenders would not have committed these crimes if their family unit and religious influences on them were strong.
“A lot of children are being charged for stealing lunches,” Inspector Mateiwai said.
“The right of the child is to go to school, our responsibility is to take the child to school.
“When they go to school, they have to take everything to school.
“When they go to school, they should be happy to be in school.”
She said another concerning issue was the attitude shown by some young offenders.
She said this was evident in a case reported to police of three youths who were allegedly caught stealing and killing a pig.
“When they went to court, I did not expect what they said.
“The first who stood up said I am the son of a tui (clan leader). I am a tui of this place. I own the pig and that person. That person is not from here. He married into this place.
“The second boy stood up. He said my Ratu is younger than his Ratu. I am from here. I have the right.
“The third boy, my mother is the sister of the Ratu. I have maternal links to this place.”
She said the father of the first accused was charged also.
“That day the punishment was given to the tui, the head of the yavusa (clan) because he did not educate them. If you are a traditional leader then you have to be a leader”
