The High Court in Lautoka has acquitted a juvenile of four sexual offence charges due to the prosecution’s failure to present adequate evidence. The juvenile was initially facing a total of nine charges related to two young girls in Sigatoka from 2022, including serious allegations such as rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault.
After the conclusion of the State’s case, the court determined that there was no case to answer for one count of indecent assault by kissing, one count of sexual assault concerning touching, and two counts of rape by penetration. Despite this ruling, the juvenile still faces five additional charges. These comprise one count of indecent assault and three counts of rape concerning the first complainant, along with one count of rape involving the second complainant.
During the trial, the first complainant, who was under 13 at the time of the alleged incidents, stated that the assaults occurred when her father asked the accused to help her with homework. She testified that the accused had threatened her against reporting the events. Notably, the court emphasized that since the complainants were aged eight and 11 during the incidents, they were not legally able to give consent, thereby rendering consent irrelevant in relation to the remaining charges.
The juvenile has firmly denied all remaining allegations. This case highlights the complexities involved in legal proceedings related to minors and underscores the paramount importance of a thorough evidentiary process in ensuring justice.
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