Nine students from a Seventh-day Adventist high school in Fiji have been praised by police after assisting in the arrest of a man facing serious charges including aggravated robbery and assault.
Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the Fiji Police Force is proud of the Navesau Adventist High School students whose efforts led to the successful arrest of the accused man.
Year 12 students McVeigh Mainu and Simione Waqa told police they ran after the suspect as he fled into nearby bushes. The other students came to assist but had to withdraw after they were allegedly pelted with stones. Simione received some minor injuries during the incident, including scratches and bruises from running through the bushes.
A 22-year-old man was arrested the following day. He was charged with aggravated robbery, assault, damaging property and common nuisance after he allegedly erected an illegal roadblock near Navesau.
The Acting Commissioner said it is encouraging to see the young generation “doing the right thing and playing a proactive role in addressing criminal activities”. He thanked each student individually “knowing the situation was a dangerous one that could have resulted in serious injury or even death”.
Trans Pacific Union Mission associate education director Mele Vaihola said she is very proud of the Navesau students.
“Such an act of bravery from these boys in risking their own lives in order to do the right thing,” she said. “I thank and congratulate them for a job well done and for representing Adventist education well in the Wainibuka community.”
