Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu says the late Police Constable Siuta Niumataiwalu's selfless act will never be forgotten.
While paying tribute to the late Niumataiwalu, Seruiratu says no words will ever bring back the late officer, but he hopes that his family will find comfort in knowing that they nurtured a hero and a loyal servant to Fiji adding their son's passing will not be in vain as he will forever be remembered a hero for many generations to come.
The minister adds he understands that a lot of questions have been asked about the safety of the Police officers and while the Fiji Police Force remains an unarmed institution - Government has worked hard and will continue to equip officers with the necessary resources to be able to effectively conduct their work which includes the recent procurement of capsicum spray for all officers.
He says the news of the tragic passing of the late Police Constable allegedly at the hands of a suspect of crime earlier this week was truly heartbreaking.
Seruiratu says as most of the nation slept on a fateful night , a brave young officer of the law was in pursuit of a suspect who had earlier in the day allegedly assaulted and robbed two individuals - unaware that it would be his last call of duty having paid the ultimate price of his life to serve his beloved nation.
The Minister says the late Niumataiwalu’s actions is a testament of his dedication to his calling, and his commitment towards the oath he swore to protect life and property - and at that moment his focus was on apprehending the suspect and not on his own personal safety which was very unfortunate as he had left behind the police accessories issued to him for his safety.
He says the heart that beats underneath the uniform of a police officer is one that beats for others, and the late Niumataiwalu's brave actions proved that his mission was to protect others from becoming victims of crime.
He says the work of a Police officer is not an easy one and as they forge on tirelessly day and night to keep our communities safe, often sacrificing time away from home and loved ones - they are often looked down on and criticized for the wayward ways of a handful of officers.
He has urged Fijians to look beyond those few and see the thousands of other brave men and women who continue to put their lives on the line to ensure we are able to sleep peacefully at night.
