Pacific / Fiji

Trial opens of Fiji police accused of rape

16:28 pm on 26 September 2016

The trial of eight suspended Fiji policemen and a military officer is underway in the Lautoka High Court.

The nine are charged with raping a civilian Vilikesa Soko who subsequently died of the injuries he received while in police custody in 2014 .

The accused are Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Pita Matairavula and Senitiki Natakasavu.

Their trial is expected to take three weeks.

Two of the men, Mr Talala and Mr Vereivalu, are also facing a charge of defeating the course of justice for allegedly instructing other police officers to make false statements.

Photo: Fiji Police