6 Nov 2015

Fiji military hires policeman charged with rape

11:51 am on 6 November 2015

The Fiji military has recruited three police officers facing criminal charges, including a suspected rapist.

Fiji police

Fiji police Photo: Supplied

According to the Fijivillage website, this has been announced by the land force commander Colonel Sitiveni Qiliho, who says they were hired because the three had been left on their own.

One of the new members is Jona Davonu, who was charged with rape yesterday, in connection to last year's assault of a civilian in Nadi who later died in hospital of internal injuries.

Mr Davonu is one of nine suspects in the case which will go to court in September next year.

Two weeks ago, he was charged with sexual assault in connection to another case - the videotaped beating of a prison escapee.

The two other police officers joining the military are Sanita Laqenasici and Semesa Naduka, who face the same sexual assault charges.

The three were released on bail last week.

A military officer, Pita Matairavula, is still in remand over the case after skipping court twice, while reportedly being within the confines of the military barracks.

Get the RNZ app

for ad-free news and current affairs