Pastor charged with rape further remanded in custody

The pastor of the Jezreel Lion of Judah group, Jone Cokanauto who has been charged with rape and indecent assault, appeared in the Nasinu Magistrates Court has been further remanded in custody.

DPP lawyer Meli Vosawali asked Magistrate Charles Ratakele if the rape case could be heard in the Suva High Court due to the seriousness of the charge.

Ratakele granted the application and the matter will be heard on the 16th of this month.

Ratakele also ruled that the victim’s name be suppressed.

Ratakele asked Cokanauto if he is related to the victim.

Cokanauto said that the victim is a member of his congregation.

The alleged incident occurred between the 1st of January 2006 to the 31st of January 2006 in Nasinu.

Magistrate Charles Ratakele also denied the bail application this afternoon stating that the accused’s lawyer Simione Valenitabua did not have the evidence to grant his client bail.

Ratakele also said the case is of public interest.

Cokanauto is also charged with another count of indecent assault.

This case will be called on the 19th of this month at the Nasinu Magistrates Court.

DPP lawyer Vosawali also told the court that they are looking at consolidating the charges.