Allegations that two Suva secondary school students were smoking weed on the bus are untrue.
In a statement, the Ministry of Education said it had verified these allegations with heads of schools, the concerned bus driver as well as the bus company.
The ministry also said allegations that the students had punched a passenger were also false.
“The ministry has verified the allegations with the heads of schools, the concerned bus driver and the bus company, as well as with the students. It was found that the allegations were not true,” the ministry stated.
“However, the ministry was informed that the students were making noise and asking the driver to increase the volume of the music on the bus.
“The concerned students have been counselled by the head of school and teachers.
“The ministry has also confirmed that no complaint was lodged with the police.”
Ministry of Education permanent secretary Dr Anjeela Jokhan said students also needed to take some responsibility for their actions.
She said the ministry would continue working with the police and relevant stakeholders to see how best students’ behaviour could be managed in public places.
