23 villagers of Vanuakula, Rakiraki are expected to appear in the Rakiraki Magistrates Court this afternoon on allegations of assault and rape.

Rakiraki Police are now in the process of laying charges against the men.

The 23 men were taken into custody after they allegedly attacked church members of Namara, Saivou and Nakorovou last Thursday and also allegedly gang raped a 17-year-old girl.

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

The attackers did not like the idea of having the crusade.

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