Fiji police have charged a man with the rape and sexual assault of a Virgin Australia crewmember. The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning on New Year’s Day, in the vicinity of a nightclub in Martintar, Nadi.
Local news sources and Australian national broadcaster ABC have confirmed that a man has now been charged with one count of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Fiji Police Investigate Two Separate Incidents
According to the Australian national broadcaster ABC, the alleged rape and sexual assault victim as a 21-year old Melbourne woman. She was part of the off-duty Virgin Australia crew. The crewmember had reportedly become separated from the rest of her colleagues during their night out. The incident took place in the Nadi entertainment district of Martintar.
The man in question is now due to face court in Fiji on Monday.
A second crewmember sustained facial injuries and was robbed. Police are treating the incident as a separate matter and investigations are continuing.
It is understood that both crewmembers have now returned to Australia. Other Virgin Australia crewmembers have reportedly remained in Fiji to assist with local investigations.
Virgin Australia Presence in Fiji
Virgin Australia operates daily direct flights from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to Nadi International Airport in Fiji. The airline’s presence in the Fiji market is significant, contributing to the strong tourism ties between the two countries.
The Fiji Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism issued an earlier statement, expressing regret for the New Year’s Day incident.
While Fiji generally has a low crime rate compared to many other countries, common offenses include theft, robbery, assault, and sexual assault.
Crime is more concentrated in urban areas, particularly at night. A significant portion of crime is opportunistic, with criminals often targeting tourists and their belongings.
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