Woman raped by man who ‘she thought was her husband’

Vunga Fetuani, 34, crept into his neighbour’s home in south New Zealand and raped her, just after the victim had celebrated her son’s birthday.

The victim, who had not knowingly met the perpetrator before the incident, thought the man was her husband who had been sleeping beside her.

Fetuani was living next door to the victim and had a direct line of sight into the outdoor area of her home.

The family had been in their outdoor area until about 10PM, when guests of the birthday party appeared to leave and husband and wife were left alone.

Leaving a door unlocked for their son so he could find his way back in when he got home, the parents went to bed at midnight.

It was through this door that the rapist let himself into the home and assaulted his victim.

Shockingly, the victim only awoke during the sexual activity, saying she initially thought the man was her husband.

Challenging the rapist, he then fled the room.

Fetuani was arrested at his workplace in August and has since said he has no recollection of what happened.