Police has appealed to the public to not to make their own decisions, after witnessing or learning of a crime.

Spokesperson at the Maldives Police Service, Izmia Zahir revealed to RaajjeMV that there have been increased reports of the public taking matters into their own hands in regard to a number of cases filed at the police.

She emphasized that such actions “could jeopardize” the police’s investigation.

Izmia further appealed to the public to work together with the institution.

The appeal comes days after the violence in Dhiffushi island of Kaafu atoll, where its residents attacked two men whom they suspected to have stolen a safe from a local shop. While they were attacked with “a sharp object,” both sustained serious injuries.

In addition, a 19-year-old was forced to strip down to his boxers and walk around Hulhumalé on Saturday night, after he was allegedly caught sexually assaulting two minors; a six-year-old and an eight-year-old. He has since been taken into police custody.