Assessors deliberate on their opinion in the rape trial of Jone Cokanauto

The three assessors in the rape trial of the Leader of Jezreel Lion of Judah, Jone Cokanauto have now retired behind closed doors to deliberate on their opinion on whether Cokanauto is guilty.

After the assessors come back with their opinion later this afternoon, presiding judge, Justice Salesi Temo will then decide on when he will deliver his judgement.

While summing up the case, Justice Temo told the assessors that the prosecution said that all the four complainants were attracted to the ministry due to the power of prayer and the word of God. Justice Temo told the assessors the prosecution said that Cokanauto misinterpreted John chapter 4 which is the story about the Samaritan woman. Justice Temo also said that the complainants said that Cokanauto preached that all women were the temple of God and they needed to be cleansed and the living water was his semen.The High Court Judge told the assessors that the prosecution said that the complainants took it as the gospel truth and that is why they consented.Justice Temo said that the defence said that the complainants were lying.He said that in his evidence, Cokanauto said that he did not commit the alleged crime.

The judge said that Cokanauto told the court that the allegations against him was a family conspiracy.

The assessors are now considering all the evidence before deciding on their opinion.

Cokanauto is facing five counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

It is alleged that he committed the offences in Nasinu and Taveuni between 2005 and 2012. Stay with us as we await the opinion of the three assessors and Justice Temo’s decision on when he will deliver his judgement.