A pastor has been found guilty of raping his then 15-year-old niece by the High Court in Lautoka. The man, who is married and has a son, was convicted on multiple charges, including two counts of indecent assault, one count of rape, and one count of sexual assault. These offenses took place over two days between October 27 and 28, four years earlier.

According to court documents, the assaults occurred at the pastor’s home in Rakiraki while his wife was away taking their son to school. Another incident arose when the victim requested her uncle to take her to see her cousin in Ba, but instead, he took her to Lautoka. During this trip, the uncle and a mechanic began drinking alcohol, causing the victim to fall asleep in the vehicle. When she awoke, she found her uncle assaulting her, with the mechanic witnessing the act but choosing not to intervene. The victim managed to escape by kicking her uncle, leaving him unconscious.

Justice Aruna Aluthge expressed skepticism about the defence’s evidence, stating on November 11 that he found the complainant credible and believed the accusations were not fabricated. The judge noted inconsistencies in the accused’s testimony, suggesting he was primarily trying to evade the serious charges.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for vigilance and support for victims of sexual violence. By holding individuals accountable, the judicial system aims to provide justice and encourage other victims to come forward and seek help, fostering an environment where such heinous acts can be confronted and addressed.

In a hopeful light, the successful conviction may empower other victims to speak out, sparking greater communal support and awareness surrounding issues of sexual abuse. It reflects ongoing societal changes aimed at protecting the vulnerable and ensuring justice prevails.