Fijivillage
24 February, 2026, 8:40 pm
Central - 23°C Clouds
24 February, 2026, 8:40 pm Central - 23°C Clouds

Cuanilawa to face trial next year for robbery and rape

Cuanilawa to face trial next year for robbery and rape

By Semi Turaga
09/11/2020
Iliesa Cuanilawa

The two weeks trial of a man accused of violently robbing a woman before raping her in February last year will start in the Suva High Court on 18th January next year.

Iliesa Cuanilawa told Justice Daniel Goundar today that he will represent himself.

Justice Goundar said he would make an order for the Corrections Service to grant Cuanilawa time to prepare for the trial.

The Prosecution has also confirmed that they would rely on DNA evidence.

Cuanilawa is charged with one count each of aggravated robbery, assault with intent to commit rape and rape.

According to charges filed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Cuanilawa allegedly robbed the woman of $1,000 cash and assorted items which included two mobile phones and assorted jewellery on the 27th of February in Vuci Road, Nausori last year.

Cuanilawa allegedly entered the woman’s house and used a knife to threaten her and then raped her while her husband was at work.

The total value of the cash and items stolen was $4,228.

The case will be called for the pre-trial Conference on the 11th of December.

FEATURE NEWS
No word on when independent investigations will start against Vakalalabure and Saukuru
Questions are now being asked on when the independent investigations will commence against the Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru and Fiji Sp...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Several roads in West closed as severe thunderstorm warning issued for parts of Viti Levu and Vanua Levu
Several roads in the Western Division are closed and inaccessible due to the recent heavy rain. Sigatoka Mission Road and the Tilivalevu Road and ...
3 hours ago

MP Kalaveti Ravu faces criticism over alleged swearing on social media
Great Council of Chiefs member and Rewa chief, Ro Naulu Mataitini has criticised former Cabinet Minister and current Government backbencher, Kalaveti ...
3 hours ago

‘Be stronger than temptation’ – Rabuka tells TLTB scholarship recipients
15 young Fijians are urged to protect their dreams and make wise choices as they celebrated a milestone achievement at the iTaukei Land Trust Board ...
3 hours ago

GCC subcommittee to present public consultation findings to GCC members tomorrow
The subcommittee of the Great Council of Chiefs tasked with critical portfolios, including education and cultural revitalisation, community ...
3 hours ago

President remains silent on JSC's recommendation for Rokoika removal
The President and the Judicial Services Commission remain silent after the JSC's recommendation yesterday that Acting FICAC Commissioner, Lavi ...
4 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
1 day ago

Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
18 days ago

Malimali and others filed for judicial review into COI
The application for leave for the judicial review has been made by former FICAC Commissioner Barbara Malimali, former Attorney General Graham Leung ...
18 days ago

TOP