Thirty-one year old Laitia Nalawa has appeared in the Nasinu Magistrate Court this morning in relation to the alleged rape of a nine year old girl in Nakasi.
Nalawa has been charged with one count each of rape, assault with intent to rape, aggravated robbery and theft regarding a separate incident.
The charges were read in court and Nalawa has waived his right to a counsel.
The court has agreed to an application from the Director of Public Prosecutions Office to suppress the victims’ name.
DPP lawyer, Yogesh Prasad also asked that the matter to be transferred to the Suva High Court.
Nalawa has been remanded at the Korovou Remand Centre to reappear in court on August 7th.
More than 100 people waited outside the court house to catch a glimpse of the accused.
Nalawa was arrested this week, almost three weeks after he allegedly attacked and raped the student as she was walking home from school.
