A 45-year-old man has been found guilty of raping his 12-year-old grandniece, a case that has deeply impacted the community. The conviction was largely based on the victim’s heart-wrenching testimony, detailing how her uncle assaulted her between February 2024 and March this year. She recounted the terrifying experience of being dragged into a bedroom, her cries stifled by her assailant’s hand, and her resistance overshadowed by his strength. The ordeal only ended when her brother came home, but initially, her disclosure to him was not believed.
A subsequent assault occurred a month later when the victim awoke to further violations. Her cries for help were ignored, even though her grandfather was present but unresponsive. The situation took a turn when a concerned neighbor overheard the girl’s distress and intervened by confronting the family. Despite initially agreeing to leave the home, the attacker refused to depart without legal action. Judicial intervention was required for his removal after police involvement.
Justice Daniel Goundar, in his ruling delivered on September 19, recognized the delay in reporting the incidents, attributing it to the victim’s fear and insufficient family support. He emphasized that the prosecution effectively demonstrated the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
In another legal matter, six men are facing charges for allegedly trafficking 26.03 kilograms of marijuana. Set to enter their pleas soon, these men appeared in the Suva Magistrate’s Court on counts of drug possession, and one faces additional charges of drug cultivation. They remain in custody, with their next court date scheduled for October 13.
These cases highlight the critical role of support networks for victims of abuse, accentuating the need for timely reporting and intervention. The conviction in the rape case exemplifies the justice system’s capability to affirm and respond to the accounts of vulnerable victims, assuring them that their voices matter. Both cases serve as powerful reminders of the courage required for victims to step forward and pursue justice.