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.
