A man who allegedly raped his sickly daughter asked the state witness in court today if any DNA test was carried out to confirm whether she was carrying his baby.
The father who is facing 5 counts of rape and 2 counts of indecent assault is representing himself.
A medical officer Dr Kelerayani Nabulu who took the stand told the Suva High Court about the ordeal of the 14-year-old cancer patient who was allegedly raped and impregnated by her father.
In court, Dr Nabulu of the CWM Pediatric Unit told Judge Salesi Temo how during a medical examination of the victim in February last year, a scan revealed her to be 20 weeks pregnant.
She informed the court that a family conference was held with the mother and the grandmother where the information was disclosed to them.
Dr Nabulu said that the mother was upset and on the same day she came back to her and stated that her daughter was allegedly impregnated by the father.
Dr Nabulu then consulted the Sexual Offences Unit and two officers interviewed the victim.
During the interview it was revealed that the alleged rape had started when the victim was 12-years-old and was student in class seven. The incident allegedly occurred every few weeks at her home before it increased to every month.
During examination by state lawyer, Madonna Fong, Dr Nabulu revealed that the due to the victim’s condition, the pregnancy had to be terminated so that they could start chemotherapy.
The accused and victims names have been suppressed.
The trial was to start in July however following an application by the DPP, Justice Temo made the decision to start the trial earlier as the victim’s health is worsening.
The trial continues tomorrow.
Story by: Praneeta Prakash
