The 50‑year‑old pastor of the Agape Healing Church Ministry has pleaded not guilty to 4 counts of rape before High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar today.
Waisake Tulavu was previously charged with a count of rape with Sakiusa Nakutoro who is a senior member of the church, however the state prosecutor has filed to discontinue the case against Nakutoro.
Waisake Tulavu and Sakiusa Nakutoro in 2018
Nakutoro’s case has been dismissed by Justice Goundar.
He had earlier said in court that he wished to become a state witness as he did not commit the offence, but saw it happening.
It is unclear at this stage as to whether or not, Nakutoro would be called in as a state witness as the court was told that state lawyer, Swastika Sharma who appeared in court today is not the officer in carriage.
The alleged incidents occurred on the 11th of May, 12th of May and the 16th of June last year.
Tulavu is alleged to have raped two members of the church on the said dates.
It was also revealed in court today that Tulavu has been receiving treatment at the Remand Centre for urinating blood.
Justice Goundar said he wishes to see a medical report from the orderly to allow Tulavu to receive treatment from the CWM Hospital.
The case has been adjourned to the 6th of May where Tulavu has to present a report from the medical orderly of the Remand Centre.
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