This is a conspiracy against me - Cokanauto

The Leader of Jezreel Lion of Judah Jone Cokanauto has told the High Court that the case is a conspiracy against him by the four complainants.

He made these comments when asked by the defence lawyer, Simione Valenitabua on what he had to say about the rape allegations made against him.

Cokanauto says the complainants had discussed this and that is why their statements are similar.

Presiding Judge Justice Salesi Temo then asked the defence counsel why he had not put these allegations to the complainants when they had taken the stand.

Justice Temo also told the defence that his client should have revealed everything regarding the case to him before they entered the court.

Cokanauto has denied the allegations against him saying that it is all made up.

He also told the High Court that he never preached to the first state witness that she had to have sex with him to redeem herself.

Cokanauto said that he never preached about having sexual intercourse with him to be cleansed.

He said that the message was about faithfulness between a man and his wife.

Cokanauto said there is no message of sexual intercourse in his interpretation.

He also said that one of the alleged rape victims who has already given evidence in court, was the voice of God and could see spiritual things.                             

Cokanauto told the court that she was part of their prayer group which was not a church as it was not registered.

He said there are more than 500 people in their prayer group and they live around Fiji and overseas.

Cokanauto said the alleged rape victim could see demons and angels and she was the main girl in their prayer group.

He also highlighted to the assessors that there was never a time where only he and the alleged rape victims were involved in prayer sessions as others were also there.

He said the alleged rape victim who had visions used to give them solutions on how to take out evil spirits from sick people.

Cokanauto says their prayer group worked around her visions as she was a powerful woman.

Cokanauto has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.

It is alleged that he committed the offences in Nasinu and Taveuni between 2005 and 2012.

The prosecution will cross-examine Cokanauto from this morning.