A 39-year-old security officer at a bar in Pacific Harbour has been charged with the rape and murder of Mere Ailevu, 14.

Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho has confirmed that Josua Colanaudolu has been charged in relation to Mere’s death.

He has been charged with two counts of rape, one count of murder and one count of abduction. He is also facing two other unrelated rape charges from 1998 and 2002.

He will be appearing in court today.

Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigations, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Luke Navela said: “At this moment, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, I wish to thank members of the public for coming over to assist Police in giving us information.”

Colanaudolu lives not far from Mere’s home.

The complainants from the other alleged rape cases against Colanaudolu only came forward when investigations were underway into Mere’s death.

ACP Navela said there were also some allegations of sexual assault that they were still investigating.

“It’s important for rape victims or some who have been sexually assaulted not to be hesitant in coming to the Police. Some of them worry about their security.  They shouldn’t, and parents should also come forward,” ACP Navela said.

Feedback:  aqela.susu@fijisun.com.fj