The Magistrates Court in Suva has placed a 15-year-old, a 17-year-old, and an 18-year-old, Devekuta Ledua Vererua, in custody following allegations of raping a 13-year-old boy in Lami last month. The three defendants appeared before Magistrate Pulekeria Low yesterday. Each has been charged with one count of rape.
The incident is said to have occurred on August 30, 2024, at the residence of the victim’s relative. Additionally, the court heard that the 17-year-old is facing a separate charge of sexual harassment for allegedly harassing an 18-year-old woman, which also took place last month.
Furthermore, it was disclosed in court that Vererua, the oldest of the accused, was previously charged with one count of rape in 2021. The case has been transferred to the High Court, where it is scheduled for its first mention on August 27.