A lawyer advocating for a pastor imprisoned for sexually assaulting 12 boys aged nine to 16 has requested additional time to prepare amended grounds for an appeal. This request was made by attorney Tobia Ravuniwa from the Legal Aid Commission during a hearing in the High Court in Suva last week, presided over by Justice Usaia Ratuvili.
The pastor, who is 43 years old, is appealing against both his conviction and the sentence handed down by Magistrate Seini Puamau last year. He received a nine-and-a-half-year prison term with a non-parole period of seven years. His offenses were extensive, including four counts of indecent assault, three counts of indecently insulting individuals, two counts of sexual assault with intent to commit rape, as well as one count each of sexual assault and attempted sexual assault. Magistrate Puamau characterized his actions as a “multiple sex crime spree” within the community where he served as a pastor.
During proceedings, both Hezekiah Nofaga and Katarina Dugan appeared for the prosecution. Justice Ratuvili is set to revisit the case in the coming month to review the amended grounds for appeal and will provide directives for future submissions. Meanwhile, the production order for the pastor has been extended, and the case has been adjourned until December 1.
This case has drawn considerable attention, reflecting broader societal concerns about the abuse of power and the protection of vulnerable children. The legal actions in place aim to ensure justice is served and to reinforce the importance of accountability among those in positions of trust. As the proceedings continue, there remains hope that justice for the young victims will ultimately prevail and contribute to the call for safeguarding children and preventing future abuses.