Two men who are charged with killing a 77-year-old following an alleged robbery offence entered their pleas yesterday.

Inoke Dokanavosa and Timoci Rasova appeared before Judge Justice Daniel Goundar at the High Court in Suva.

The two are jointly charged with one count each of manslaughter, aggravated burglary, theft and two counts of aggravated robbery.

Dokanavosa is also charged with one count of rape, he allegedly raped a 60-year-old woman.

The alleged incident occurred at one of the two homes which were allegedly burglarized.

The alleged incidents took place on May 22, 2020, at Sigatoka.

Dokanavosa and Rasova pleaded not guilty to the charge of manslaughter.

However, Dokanavosa pleaded guilty to the offences of rape, aggravated burglary, theft and aggravated robberies.

Rasova has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

State prosecutor, Juleen Fatiaki, told the court that Rasova was alleged to have assaulted the deceased to subdue him, tied him with a belt and left him on the bed.

She also told the court that the deceased died as a result of cardiovascular disease and swelling of the brain.

The defence lawyer from the Legal Aid Commission told the court that she would need to reconfirm the guilty plea of the first accused.

The case was adjourned to August 3 for mention. Ms Fatiaki told the court that the prosecution had objected to bail.

Justice Goundar said the bail applications were filed in person, and that the charges against both the accused were serious which required formal bail applications.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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