Police have arrested and charged two church ministers for allegedly indecently assaulting 16 girls aged between 12 and 16 years.

Divisional Police Commander Eastern, SSP Emosi Baleinuku has confirmed that the two were charged yesterday afternoon and have been bailed to appear in court at a later date.

The two allegedly committed the offences while holding posts in Koro and Gau.

In the first incident, a 42 year old church minister allegedly incidentally assaulted four students while preaching to them in Gau. The matter was reported to police by a school teacher. The church minister now resides in Nabua.

In another incident, a 55 year old church minister of Vatuwaqa allegedly committed the offence during his posting in Koro. The church minister allegedly indecently assaulted 12 girls while the victims were staying in a school hostel.

The two will appear in the Nausori Magistrates court on 5th of next month.

The Methodist Church of Fiji is expected to comment later today.