The 24 villagers of Vanuakula, Rakiraki, appeared in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court this afternoon who allegedly attacked church members of Namara, Saivou and Nakorovou on Thursday last week.

All 24 are facing charges of unlawful assembly, damaging property while two of them are also facing charges of rape of a 17 year old girl.

The 24 have been released on $100 cash bail and will reappear on the 29th of next month when a plea is expected to be taken.

The villagers of NaKorovou, Namara and Saivou were practicing for a crusade organized by the Assembly of God Church when the alleged incident took place.

It is alleged that the attackers did not like the idea of having the crusade.

The people were stoned, bashed up and were chased away while they were practicing and playing drums.

A 17 year old girl, who was also in the singing group, was allegedly raped by the two villagers during the attack.