Serious sexual assault cases were before the Supreme Court this week involving an uncle allegedly raping his niece and a 31-year-old man charged with the rape of a school girl.

The uncle was charged with 12 counts of sexual offences.

Names suppression was ordered by Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma.

Prosecutor Maiavatele Timothy Fesili opposed bail for the defendant because of the seriousness of the allegations against him.

Justice Roma accepted the request from the prosecution not to grant bail to the defendant.

Maiavatele also requested an adjournment for two weeks to allow the prosecution to finalise possible additional charges.

The accused is alleged to have been committing sexual acts on his niece over six months.

Justice Roma also advised the defendant to get legal representation for his next court appearance on 24 February.

The 31-year-old man is charged with counts of sexual violations. He is alleged to have raped a schoolgirl under the age of 16 at Mulinuu in May 2024.

He is accused of kidnapping the victim, taking her to Mulinuu and raping her.

Prosecutor Maiavatele Timothy Fesili requested an adjournment to finalise charges. He indicated the possibility of additional charges against this defendant as well.

Justice Roma adjourned the matter to 17 February.

Representing the defendant is Leone Su'a-Mailo.

The courts in past have raised concerns about the increase in the number of sexual offence cases before the court.

The courts have also tried to curb the increase in sexual offences with harsher penalties.