May ruling on trainee teacher with rape charges 

A trainee teacher at a prominent school in Tailevu charged with raping two students in 2024 will learn his fate on May 8.

The accused, who is on bail, appeared before Justice Usaia Ratuvili on Friday afternoon. He faces three counts of sexual assault and three counts of rape.

It is alleged he raped two students under the age of 18 on the school premises in March 2024.

The matter was listed for closing submissions. However, defence lawyer Jioji Cakau sought the court’s leave to amend his written submissions, which had already been filed.

State prosecutor Luisa Latu did not object, noting the State had also filed its submissions.

There will be no oral closing submissions. The court will deliver its ruling in May.

The accused remains on bail.