A 54-year-old man, who was convicted of raping his nine-year-old grandniece in 2022, is set for a postponed sentencing hearing later this week in Suva. His attorney, Tobia Ravuniwa from the Legal Aid Commission, has requested additional time for case preparation.
The defendant had originally faced two counts of rape, but Justice Dane Tuiqereqere acquitted him of one charge linked to an incident that allegedly occurred between February 1 and 28, 2022. The accusations arose from an event where the now-11-year-old victim reported being assaulted while retrieving her shoes, with a subsequent incident occurring on August 28 after she returned from school.
Representing the state, prosecutor Shaheen Bibi provided details at the hearing. The accused’s bail has been extended while the case awaits its next conference, scheduled for March 21.
This case is part of a troubling pattern of sexual violence within families, as illustrated by another case involving a 69-year-old man charged with the rape of a 10-year-old girl, who is also in the throes of legal proceedings regarding his bail and relocation.
Such incidents shed light on the persistent difficulties in combating sexual violence, especially within familial contexts. However, as these investigations and trials unfold, there is a glimmer of hope that the judicial process will foster accountability and enhance support for victims, contributing to a safer environment for all community members.
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