Ex-Cop to Face High Court on Rape Charge
Magistrate Ratakele adjourned the matter to June 6 when the alleged rapist will appear at the High Court in Suva for his first call.
Friday 31 May 2024 | 16:31
Rape accused, Kolinio Naturaga at the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court on May 30, 2024. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
Former Police officer, Kolinio Naturaga who is charged for allegedly raping a 29-year-old woman at the Valelevu Police single men’s barracks will front the High Court.
This was after Magistrate Charles Ratakele found his offence an indictable one.
Naturaga made his first appearance at the Nasinu Magistrate’s Court on Thursday with one count of rape.
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It was alleged that on May 28, in Valelevu, Naturaga raped the woman at the barracks.
During the proceedings, State prosecutor, Simone Seruvatu told the court that full disclosures and summary of facts have been served to the accused and the court.
Defence lawyer, Shirley Tivao agreed to this and was hoping to file their bail application.
In response, Magistrate Ratakele told Ms Ratakele that he was not going to hear his bail because this was an indictable offense and that only the High Court would be able to look into.
Ms Tivao told the court that they would like to have it recorded that her client was in Police custody for more than 14 hours after his arrest at 5pm on Monday.
Magistrate Ratakele adjourned the matter to June 6 when the alleged rapist will appear at the High Court in Suva for his first call.
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