Serial Rapist Files Appeal

Serial rapist and murderer Josua Colanaudolu has filed an appeal against his conviction in the Fiji Court of Appeal.

The matter was called at the Appeals Court before Judge Justice Suresh Chandra.

Representing Colanaudolu Legal Aid Commission lawyer Salote Nasedra sought time to file written submissions.

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was represented by Semi Babitu.

Justice Chandra gave 28 days to Ms Nasedra to file submissions and the State has also been given 28 days thereafter to file their submissions.

The matter was adjourned to fix a hearing date which will be listed before a Justice of Appeal on a date to be fixed.

In May, 2017, Judge Justice Salesi Temo had sentenced Colanaudolu to a mandatory life imprisonment for the rape and abuse of three victims, and the abduction, rape and murder of a fourth victim, Mere Ailevu, 14.

He has a minimum term of 30 years’ imprisonment to be served before a pardon may be considered by the President of Fiji.