Robbery and rape accused alleges assault at Naboro Maximum Prison
A36-year-old man from Nausori charged with robbery and rape has alleged that he was taken to the Naboro Maximum Prison where he was allegedly assaulted.
Iliesa Cuanilawa appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva on Wednesday.
He is facing one count each of aggravated robbery, of assault with intent to commit rape and of rape.
For the offence of aggravated robbery, it is alleged that Cuanilawa on February 27, 2019, at Vuci Road in Nausori, robbed the complainant of $1000, one black Samsung mobile phone valued at $349, one black and silver Samsung mobile phone valued at $279, two gold chains valued at $600, on 9ct pendant valued at $1000, and four gold rings valued at $1000, all to the total value of approximately $4228, and at the time of the alleged robbery, the accused had a knife with him and used personal violence on the complainant.
For the offence of assault with intent to commit rape, it is alleged that Cuanilawa on February 27, 2019, at Vuci Road in Nausori, assaulted the complainant with intent to commit rape.
For the offence of rape, it is alleged that Cuanilawa on February 27, 2019, at Vuci Road in Nausori,
had carnal knowledge of the complainant without her consent. Cuanilawa told the court that from his last court appearance, instead of being taken to the Suva Remand Centre, he was taken to the Naboro Maximum Prison where he was kept and assaulted until Tuesday when he was brought back to the Suva Remand Centre before appearing in court yesterday.
He told the court that he was not in the right state of mind and was not ready to proceed with the trial, which was set to commence next Tuesday, because he would be representing himself.
He confirmed to the court yesterday that he did not wish to engage Legal Aid Commission and wished to exercise his right to represent himself.
State prosecutor from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions Sheenal Swastika told the court that it would be prejudicial to proceed with the trial next Tuesday since the accused was not prepared or ready.
She told the court that the State would not object to vacate the trial dates. Justice Goundar vacated the trial dates and adjourned the matter to on October 25. Cuanilawa has been further remanded in custody.