A 45-year-old man has been found guilty of raping his 12-year-old grandniece in a case that has both shocked and saddened the community. The convictions rest on the harrowing testimony provided by the victim, who described in court how her uncle assaulted her between February 2024 and March this year. The young girl recollected being forcibly taken into a bedroom, her attempts to scream being muffled by her attacker’s hand, and her struggles dismissed due to his overpowering size. The traumatic ordeal ended when her brother returned home, yet her initial disclosure to him was met with disbelief.
A month following the first assault, the victim awoke to further violations, fearing to speak out as her grandfather was present yet unresponsive to her cries for help. It wasn’t until a neighbor overheard her distress and confronted the family that the circumstances garnered serious attention. Despite initially agreeing to leave the family home, the offender refused to vacate without judicial intervention. Following the involvement of the police, he was finally removed from the premises.
In a judgment rendered on September 19, Justice Daniel Goundar acknowledged the delay in reporting the incidents, attributing it to the girl’s fear and the lack of familial support, emphasizing that the prosecution successfully proved the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
In a separate case, six men accused of transporting significant quantities of marijuana, totaling 26.03 kilograms, will soon enter their pleas. These suspects, charged with drug possession and one facing additional charges of drug cultivation, appeared before the Suva Magistrate’s Court. All have been remanded in custody until their next court appearance scheduled for October 13.
Both cases underscore the vital importance of supportive networks for victims of assault, demonstrating the necessity of timely reporting and intervention in such grave matters. The conviction in the rape case highlights the justice system’s ability to address and validate the accounts of young victims who might otherwise feel isolated and unheard. These proceedings serve as a poignant reminder of the bravery required for those who go through such traumatic experiences to come forward and seek justice.