A 26-year-old man who was convicted of raping his 15-year-old niece is set to receive his sentence today. Earlier this week, Justice Siainiu Fa’alogo Bull delivered her judgment, finding him guilty on two counts of rape and one count of indecent assault.
The convictions stem from incidents that occurred in January 2022. The victim testified that during one attack while she was attempting to use a bathroom, the accused forcibly raped her. During her struggle to get away, she experienced physical harm, hitting her stomach against roofing iron. On another occasion, she reported awakening to find him on top of her.
Initially, the victim hesitated to inform her father about the assaults due to personal reasons. However, fearing she might be pregnant, she ultimately disclosed the situation to her teacher, which led to further investigations.
In court, the accused acknowledged having sexual intercourse but claimed it was consensual. Prosecutor Pooja Mishra successfully argued that the evidence against him was compelling, reinforcing the victim’s credibility and consistent testimony during cross-examinations.
The defendant, whose legal representative is Joji Cakau, remains in custody as he awaits sentencing.
This case underscores an unfortunate trend of sexual violence in familial relationships. Similar incidents have been noted, raising alarms about the need for improved protections and support systems for potential victims. The hope is that greater awareness and legal reforms will be established to prevent such occurrences and empower survivors to come forward, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all.
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