Alleged rape victim says the accused threatened to kill her son

A 36-year-old woman who was allegedly robbed and raped in Nausori in 2019 has told the Suva High Court that the accused had threatened to kill her 3-year-old son if she screamed.

While giving evidence, the woman said she was sleeping when she felt that someone was in her bedroom and saw the accused at a distance upon opening her eyes.

She claims the man punched her on the face and head on several occasions and later tied her mouth, wrists and legs with pieces of her blanket.

The accused - Iliesa Cuanilawa allegedly entered the woman's house and used a knife to threaten her and then raped her.

He has been charged with a count each of aggravated robbery, assault with intent to commit rape and rape.

Cuanilawa allegedly robbed the woman of $1000 cash and assorted items which included two mobile phones and assorted jewellery.

The trial is underway before High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar.