Man remanded over teen’s murder and rape in Lautoka

A 22-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murder of an 18-year-old woman whose body was found in a Lautoka park.

Tevita Tora appeared in the Lautoka Magistrate Court today before Resident Magistrate Semi Babitu.

He faces one count each of rape and murder.

The court heard that on December 4, 2025, Tora is alleged to have caused the death of Venina Cirikeba Cava, 18. It is further alleged that he raped her before the murder.

On December 5, 2025, Police received a report of a woman found lying motionless in a park in Lautoka near Aspen Lautoka Hospital.

The victim, of Rifle Range, was later identified as Cava. Following a post-mortem examination, the case was classified as murder.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Titilia Bulimaibau sought that the accused be remanded in custody and that the matter be transferred to the High Court.

The accused indicated he understood the charges and requested Legal Aid representation.

He told the court he had medical documentation which he claimed showed no signs of rape on the deceased.

Magistrate Babitu advised him to raise the matter through his Legal Aid lawyer.

Tora was remanded, and the case will be called in the High Court in Lautoka on May 8.