A 39-year-old security officer of Vunibuabua settlement in Deuba has been charged with the rape and murder of the 14-year-old girl in Deuba two weeks ago.
The man is charged with two counts of rape, one count of murder and one count of abduction.
Acting Chief of Intelligence and Investigations, Luke Navela says
Police have never come across such a case in the past.
He says other girls are now coming forward and giving information about other alleged cases.
Navela says they have evidence that the girls did not file the reports in the past as the man’s mother allegedly used traditional and religious practices to persuade the victims’ families not to go to the Police.
His mother has passed away.
Navela says the 39-year-old security officer is an adopted son of a religious leader in the area.
He says more charges are expected to be laid against the 39-year-old man as investigations continue.
Meanwhile Police spokesperson, Josaia Weicavu says the man has been charged with the alleged rape of three other girls.
These incidents came to light as Police was conducting investigations regarding the recent rape and murder case.
The 39-year-old man has been charged for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl in 1998 and a 16-year-old girl in 2002.
These cases were highlighted by the victims.
He will appear in the Suva court for all these cases tomorrow.
The man has already appeared in court for allegedly raping his 16-year-old niece in Deuba two years ago.
The investigation regarding alleged parental negligence in the recent Deuba case is also underway.
