2 days Ago By Jake Wise
Police has clarified that the recent incident involving two Virgin Australia crew members in Nadi is being investigated as alleged sexual assault. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Crime, Mesake Waqa, said the police complaint was initially reported as rape. “The report on the incident was rape,” Mr Waqa said.
“But we termed it a sexual assault because the investigation has to take place to determine that.” He explained that certain legal criteria must be met to classify the incident as rape, and investigators are working to gather evidence and assess the facts. “At the moment, these are allegations, and we are prioritising it.
“Once investigations are ongoing, then we’ll identify whether it’s a rape or not. “Otherwise, we have termed it in its initial stages a sexual assault.” Police have taken statements from two Australian airline crew members, and no one has been charged.
Mr Waqa has assured that the investigation is being treated as a priority and that police will determine the appropriate charges based on the evidence. Meanwhile, Tourism Fiji yesterday declined to comment on the incident involving two foreigners who claimed they were robbed and raped in Nadi on New Year’s day. Tourism Fiji CEO Brent Hill referred all media to the Ministry of Tourism.
However, Mr Hill said he was aware of the matter but declined to provide further details. Details of the case remain limited when this issue went to press last night, and despite reports, The Fiji Times could not ascertain whether the family members of the affected crew were in Fiji. However, sources indicate that a senior airline manager is currently staying at the same hotel in Nadi where the crew is accommodated.
Efforts by local media to interview the airline representative were unsuccessful. Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further information once the inquiry progresses..
