Allegations are not true – Rev Ratabacaca

Allegations are not true – Rev Ratabacaca

By fijivillage.com
07/11/2012
All Nations Church leader Reverend Epeli Ratabacaca, who is charged with one count of indecent assault and two counts of rape, has told the court that the allegations levelled against him are not true.

Reverend Ratabacaca told the court that the woman used to go to his office over the past five years and wanted him to pray for her as she was feeling dizzy and getting headaches.

He confirmed in court that he had advised the woman to go for a sauna bath at Sports City.

He told the woman to go there and he will come later and pay for the services and also buy her a bottle of water.

Reverend Ratabacaca told the court that the woman called him on a particular day for him to go to Peninsula Hotel.

He claimed that the woman wanted him to pray for her husband who allegedly punched her.

Reverend Rabatacaca then told the court that the alleged victim called him again on another day from the Novotel Hotel when he was on his way to attend a funeral in Navua.

He told the court that the woman allegedly told the All Nations Church head that she wanted him.

He asked the woman whether she was paid by someone to embarrass him.

Reverend Ratabacaca said he then told the woman that he will tell her husband about the incident.

Upon questioning by the DPP lawyer Reverend Ratabacaca told the court that he did not go to the massage parlor on the 22nd of June or any day of that month.

He said that he can only recall that he paid $15 for a sauna bath and $20 for massage and this was a few months before the alleged incident happened.

He further told the court that he did not recall the name of the girl when the payment was made.

On 22nd June last year, the church leader said that he was in a meeting with a Pastor Niudamu at his office at 10am and was in a meeting with a project committee in Nasinu in the afternoon.

This is the day that the victim is claiming that she was raped by Ratabacaca.

The trial continues today with the second defense witness to take the stand.


Story by:
Watisoni Butabua
FEATURE NEWS
Teacher calls on Govt to bring back repeat policy so children and parents realise their responsibilities
A teacher in Nausori is calling on the government to bring back the repeat policy for students because there have been a lot of freebies given by the...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Israeli confirms arming local militias in Gaza
The Israeli Government has confirmed that it is arming local militias in Gaza in an effort to counter Hamas in the besieged enclave, as opposition ...
2 hours ago

Fijians join PRF’s roadside campaign to mark World Environment and Oceans Day
Fijians gathered in numbers and stood along the King's Highway, the stretch between Koronivia Roundabout Junction and the Rewa Bridge this morning to ...
2 hours ago

Nasinu Town Council to install cameras to crack down on illegal dumping
In a bid to crack down on the ongoing issues of illegal dumping, the Nasinu Town Council has partnered with Vodafone Fiji to install CCTV cameras in ...
2 hours ago

Tauleka slams Govt over chemical leaks and unsealed drill sites
The Vanua of Nabukebuke in Namosi has witnessed the environmental impacts of exploration over the past 60 years, which is why they continue to raise ...
2 hours ago

Suspected arson destroys old Birthing Unit opposite CWM
The old Birthing Unit building opposite CWM Hospital on Amy Street that was destroyed this morning, is believed to be an act of arson. It is ...
4 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Budget 2025-2026
The Ministry for Education is looking forward to a positive budget for the retention of teachers and to continue the social assistance to students to ...
3 days ago

Barbara Malimali suspension and dismissal of AG Graham Leung
Barbara Malimali has been suspended with immediate effect as Commissioner of FICAC pending investigation by the Fiji Police Force of allegations ...
6 days ago

Viliame Naupoto on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The candid interview focused on a wide range of issues, including work at the Immigration Department, the shortage of passports, permits, and migrant ...
9 days ago

TOP