News

Nakasi rape accused in court

August 7, 2015 1:47 am

A labourer who has been charged with rape and other offenses claims he was assaulted by police officers investigating the case.

Thirty-one year Laitia Nalawa made the allegations when he was produced in the Suva High Court this morning.

He said he was not taken for medical examination after being allegedly assaulted by the investigating officers.

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The state lawyers told the Court that the accused did not make any formal complaint to the Police regarding the alleged assault.

DPP lawyer Yogesh Prasad argued in court saying Nalawa was medically examined and he will produce the reports later.

Judge Justice Salesi Temo has adjourned the matter until Monday and has instructed that the medical examination reports to be present by then.

Nalawa had waived his right for legal counsel when he appeared in the Nasinu Magistrates Court two weeks ago.

He has been charged with one count each of rape, assault with intent to rape, aggravated robbery and theft regarding a separate incident.

Nalawa allegedly raped a 9-year-old girl last month when she was returning home from school.

He was on the run for almost 3 weeks before he was arrested.