A five-day trial for 31-year-old Ilaitia Nalawa who is charged with raping a 9-year-old girl in Nakasi in July, last year started today before Justice Salesi Temo.
Nalawa pleads not guilty to rape, assault with intent to commit rape, theft and burglary.
Nalawa also has a pending case in the Lautoka High Court where he and three others allegedly broke into a villa in Rakiraki and robbed a Canadian couple in March, 2014.
Detective Corporal Isikeli Rokodreu was the first witness to take the stand today.
He says Nalawa was taken for medical assessment before he was questioned and it was established that he was fit and cooperative.
Rokodreu says Nalawa was questioned in the i-Taukei language.
When questioned by Detective Rokodreu, he says he had asked one of his friends for a mobile so he could speak to his girlfriend.
He also says he was sitting outside an empty house when he saw the 9-year-old girl.
The trial continues tomorrow in the Suva High Court.
