17 Oct 2016

Police and military in Fiji rape trial

9:28 am on 17 October 2016

The trial of eight Fijian policeman and a military officer for rape is due to open in Lautoka today.

The nine are accused of raping a man Vilikesa Soko in Nadi in 2014 while he was in police custody.

He later died of his injuries.

Two of the police officers, Manasa Talala and Viliame Vereivalu, are also charged with defeating the course of justice for allegedly instructing other officers to make false statements.

Fiji court justice 2015

Photo: 123rf

The other policemen are Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Jona Davonu and Senitiki Natakasavu.

The military officer charged is Pita Matairavula, a former bodyguard of the prime minister, Frank Bainimarama.

The accused have been free on bail.

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