A 29-year-old man facing rape charges has been further remanded by the Suva Magistrates Court.

Wise Lagilevu who is charged with one count of rape appeared in a special court sitting today.

He is alleged to have raped a 20-year-old woman in Waimanu Road in Suva on December 3rd.

Lagilevu’s second charge is one count of Criminal Intimidation as he is alleged to have threatened to kill the victim, instilling fear with the intention to commit an offence of rape.

He is also charged for allegedly providing a false name to Police upon his arrest.

Lagilevu is also facing one count of escaping from lawful custody.

It is alleged on December 15th, he escaped from the custody of Police from the Central Division.

He is also charged with serious assault and resisting arrest. It is alleged he attempted to assault and resist re-arrest.

In Court today, Magistrate Waleen George remanded Lagilevu into custody, highlighting that rape is a serious offence.

The matter will be re-called on January 9th.