Former Cop Acquitted of Rape Charges

The High Court in Lautoka has acquitted a former senior police officer, 59, of all offences linked to rape.

The three charges Saimoni Ratu faced were indecent assault, attempted rape and rape allegedly committed against a police officer in Tavua, on August 2017.

The accused was represented by defence lawyer Shivendra Nath while the Office of Director of Public Prosecution senior legal officer appeared for the State.

High Court Judge Justice Sunil Sharma found Ratu accused not guilty after a full trial that ended on January 10.

In his judgment on January 12, Justice Sharma said there were doubts in the case, which made it unsafe to convict Ratu.

Sharma added the case had been pending since March 2020, however the retired officer was carrying the burden of being the accused since 2017 and throughout his retirement.

Now that he can enjoy his retirement in peace, Ratu thanked his lawyer for his legal services and moral support during trying days in court.

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