Charges have been laid against six people who allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl in Rakiraki on Monday night.

Police Spokesperson, Ana Naisoro confirmed the six have been charged with one count of rape and are expected to be produced in the Rakiraki Magistrates court today.

The incident was reported to the Rakiraki Police Station on Tuesday by the victim’s mother.

The incident allegedly occurred on Monday night when the student was returning from her aunt's place.

Police confirmed that the youngest suspect currently being questioned is a Class 8 student while two are form five students.

The others are aged 35, 21 and 19 years.

It is alleged that two of the suspects had forcefully taken the 16 year old girl from near the village church and led her to a small shed at a sugar cane field where the other four suspects were waiting.

Following the alleged rape the victim informed her grandfather.

Naisoro said an attempt to seek forgiveness by the suspects through a presentation of yaqona was refused by the victim’s mother upon which a report was lodged at the Rakiraki Police Station.

She added the continuous disregard for the respect for our women and children will not be condoned and those who think they can continue to carry out such acts of violation will face the full consequences of the law.


Story by: Praneeta Prakash