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 due to allegations of raping a 13-year-old boy in Lami last month. The three defendants attended a hearing before Magistrate Pulekeria Low yesterday. Each has been charged with one count of rape.
According to allegations, the incident occurred on August 30, 2024, at the home of the victim’s relative. Additionally, in a separate case, the 17-year-old has been charged with sexual harassment involving an 18-year-old woman, also reported to have taken place last month. The court further disclosed that Vererua, one of the accused, faced a rape charge in 2021.
The case has now been referred to the High Court and is scheduled for first mention on August 27.