The Magistrates Court in Suva has ordered that a 15-year-old, a 17-year-old, and 18-year-old Devekuta Ledua Vererua be held in custody, as they face charges of allegedly raping a 13-year-old boy in Lami last month. The trio appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low yesterday. Each of the accused has been charged with one count of rape.
According to allegations, the incident occurred on August 30, 2024, at the home of a relative of the victim. Additionally, the court was informed of a separate case in which the 17-year-old is charged with sexual harassment for reportedly harassing an 18-year-old woman, with the alleged incident having taken place last month.
It was also noted in court that Vererua, the third accused, had faced a charge of rape in 2021. The case has now been moved to the High Court, where it is scheduled for a first mention on August 27.