Eight suspended police officers and a former soldier have been given jail sentences in the Vilikesa Soko and Senijeli Boila case by the Lautoka High Court.
Manasa Talala and Seruvi Caqusau have been sentenced to 8 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of 5 years, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna and Senitiki Natakasavu were sentenced to 7 years imprisonment with a non‑parole period of 4 years while Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu and Pita Matairavula have been sentenced to 9 years imprisonment with a non‑parole period of 6 years.
Manasa Talala, Seruvi Caqusau, Kelevi Sewatu, Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu, Pita Matairavula and Senitiki Natakasavu were each charged with the rape and sexual assault of Vilikesa Soko and Senijeli Boila.
Soko succumbed to his injuries and later died in custody.
The incidents happened in August 2014 in Malevu, in the Western Division.
Manasa Talala and Viliame Vereivalu were also charged with defeating the course of justice by instructing other police officers to make false statements.
