A DOCTOR at the St Giles Psychiatric Hospital in Suva yesterday outlined his reasons for concluding that Samuela Tawase was mentally ill when he allegedly desecrated a temple.
Dr Kira Gaikwad examined Mr Tawase and prepared an initial psychiatric report dated July 28, 2025, with a later assessment conducted by Dr Christine Chand two months after.
He said Mr Tawase was first admitted in 2020 after exhibiting abnormal behaviour, including public disturbances and religious preoccupation, and was provisionally diagnosed with schizophrenia with associated substance use.
Concerning the Samabula Shiv Temple incident on July 13 last year, Dr Gaikwad said Mr Tawase reported persistent auditory hallucinations, including voices he attributed to spiritual entities such as Dakuwaqa and the Holy Spirit, which he believed were directing his actions.
Mr Tawase described being compelled to preach, sleep in graveyards, and damage property at the temple under what he believed were divine instructions. Dr Gaikwad noted that he did not intend to harm individuals but believed he was fulfilling a spiritual mandate.
Dr Gaikwad said Mr Tawase demonstrated delusions, confusion about his legal situation, and believed he would be excused as his actions were spiritually directed. He concluded that Mr Tawase was under the influence of mental illness at the time, though substance involvement could not be confirmed.
During proceedings, Magistrate Yogesh Prasad queried an inconsistency about the two reports. Dr Gaikwad explained Mr Tawase was initially unmedicated and psychotic, but later improved with treatment, explaining why the accused was subsequently found fit to plead by Dr Chand.
He recommended management in a secure medical facility and ongoing treatment. A ruling on the special verdict is expected on April 20.
