A former employee of a massage parlor today identified All Nations Church head Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca in the High Court saying he went to the parlor on 22nd June last year.
Lagilagi Fonmoa worked at the parlor as a receptionist for eight months.
While giving her evidence today, Fonmoa said that on that day, a woman came and said that she was waiting for someone.
She alleges that Ratabacaca came about 15 minutes later and they both went inside.
She said Ratabacaca was having a foot massage while the woman was sitting next to him.
Fonmoa said Reverend Ratabacaca then asked for a sauna bath for two.
She said she got towels and face towels for both of them.
After about 15 minutes the man came out and paid $80.
He also asked for a full body massage for the woman.
Upon questioning by defence lawyer Filimoni Vosarogo, the witness confirmed that the woman did not raise alarm that she was sexually assaulted.
She stressed that she can clearly record this date when the accused visited the parlor as she had noted this in a book.
Meanwhile, the victim’s husband today told the court that he allowed his wife to go to Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca in June last year because he wanted her to get well.
However, he said that she was allegedly sexually assaulted by Ratabacaca.
The man highlighted that he is married to the victim for 17 years and after his wife gave birth to their second child in 2000, she got sick and went to a pastor who prayed for her and changes were seen.
He said on 15th June last year, his wife told him that she wanted to see a pastor as she was sick.
He told her that she has the freedom to go anywhere as long as she gets well.
After about a month, on the 15th of July last year the wife told him that the pastor had allegedly sexually assaulted her.
He told the court that he was angry and shocked.
For four days he tried to come to terms with what happened.
He then went with his wife to report the matter to Raiwaqa police on the 19th of July.
He stressed in court that the alleged incidents did occur and all the allegations made by his wife are true.
He added that they are not making up the story.
54-year-old Reverend Ratabacaca is charged with one count of indecent assault and two counts of rape.
He has pleaded not guilty.
Story by: Vijay Narayan & Ronal Deo
