Trial of teacher accused of rape underway

Trial of teacher accused of rape underway

A TRIAL  of a teacher accused of raping his 16 year-old niece at his residence at a school compound in Honiara in 2023 is underway in the High Court.

The defendant, who is now 44 years old and cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, is facing one count of rape.

The alleged incident occurred on the night of 25 August 2023, inside the defendant’s bedroom at the school compound where he was a teacher.

According to the allegation, the alleged victim had been living with her uncle, the defendant, since her father’s death in January 2023.

She was also a student at the same school where her uncle taught.

On the night of the alleged incident, the defendant called out for the alleged victim to bring him water.

When she arrived with the water, he allegedly pulled her into his bedroom, covered her mouth with a cloth, and threatened to harm her if she shouted.

The alleged victim did not fully disclose what had happened to her to the other girls at the school, but she told one of them that she wanted to go to her aunt’s place at Rifle Range, Honiara. She packed her clothes and left for Rifle Range at 2am.

The alleged victim stopped attending her form three classes after the alleged incident.

The matter was later reported to the police on 22 September 2023, and the defendant was arrested and charged on 7 November 2023.

The trial is before Deputy Chief Justice Rex Faukona, with two witnesses, including the alleged victim, expected to give evidence.

By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN

Solomon Star, Honiara