Tourist rape accused duo front court

Two men who allegedly raped a female tourist in Taveuni earlier this month appeared in the High Court in Labasa yesterday. It is alleged that the duo had committed the act on July 8 during a drinking party with the victim and her husband. The drinking party started on the evening of July 7.

The court heard that the two accused had allegedly raped the woman when she was asleep on the front seat of her husband’s car, after retiring from the party.

One of the accused was also knocked out at the back seat, while the victim’s husband and the second accused continued with the party outside.

According to the State prosecutor Rajneel Kumar the victim said she woke up after she felt someone on top of her which she identified as the second accused. She pretended to be asleep as she could not find her husband.

She then felt another person come on top of her, which she identified as the first accused. She said she again pretended to be asleep because she was scared and could not find her husband.

The court heard that the husband was sleeping at the drinking spot outside the vehicle.

It was after they had dropped the duo at their homes and the couple were returning to their accommodation when the victim revealed the incident to her husband. The matter was then reported to Police, and the victim was medically examined.

The men who appeared before Justice Salesi Temo were further remanded in custody and would appear for their bail hearing today. Legal Aid Commission lawyer Aisea Paka represents the accused persons.