The case of a 28-year-old man facing a rape charge has been transferred to the Suva High Court.

The accused made his first appearance at the Suva Magistrates Court this afternoon.

It is alleged that on Monday this week, the accused raped a girl in Suva.

The accused faces one count of assault to cause rape and one count of rape.

The Magistrate stated that rape was an indictable offence and transferred the case to the High Court.

The accused informed the court that he will be engaging a private counsel and the court has been given 21 days to file a notice of alibi.

The case will be called at the Suva High Court on 26th September.

The accused has been further remanded.