State opposes bail for man charged with alleged rape, murder of teen girl
Bail hearing date to be fixed on August 20.
Thursday 06 August 2026 | 06:30
Accused Tevita Tora at the Lautoka Magistrate Court on April 24, 2026.
Photo: Mereleki Nai
The State prosecution opposed bail for a 22-year-old man charged with the alleged rape and murder of an 18-year-old woman whose body was found in a Lautoka park last year.
Tevita Tora appeared before High Court Judge Justice Riyaz Hamza in Lautoka yesterday, charged with one count of rape and one count of murder.
It is alleged that on December 4, 2025, Tora raped and murdered Venina Cirikeba Cava, 18.
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The court heard that on December 5, 2025, police received a report of a woman lying motionless in a park near Aspen Medical-managed Lautoka Hospital.
The victim, who was from Rifle Range, was later identified as Ms Cava. Following a post-mortem examination, police classified the case as murder.
State prosecutor Laisiasa Baleilevuka opposed Tora's bail application.
The defence lawyer sought time to arrange suitable sureties before the bail hearing.
Justice Hamza adjourned the matter to August 20 to fix a date for the bail hearing. Tora remains in remand custody.
