11 Oct 2016

Rape trial for police and military officer in Fiji to start on Monday

8:06 pm on 11 October 2016

The trial of eight Fijian policemen and a military officer for rape will begin in Lautoka next Monday.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has confirmed all the men had bail extended last Friday when Justice Aruna Aluthge delivered a verdict on admissibility of evidence and the make-up of the jury.

Two of the police officers, Manasa Talala and Viliame Vereivalu, are also charged with defeating the course of justice for allegedly instructing other officers to make false statements.

The other policemen are Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Jona Davonu and Senitiki Natakasavu.

The military officer charged is Pita Matairavula, a former bodyguard of the prime minister, Frank Bainimarama.

Vilikesa Soko was raped in 2014 and later died in hospital of his wounds.