The High Court in Suva will conduct an inquiry into the mental state of murder accused Samuela Dasalusalu under Section 104 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu granted the State’s application yesterday after three psychiatric evaluation reports concluded that Mr Dasalusalu remained unfit to stand trial or enter a plea.
The reports, prepared by two doctors at St Giles Hospital in Suva, are dated January 2, May 6, and June 18 this year.
The 43-year-old is charged with murder for allegedly attacking 16-year-old Salote Sikiti with a cane knife while she was walking home from a village shop in Naqali, Naitasiri, inflicting injuries that allegedly led to her death.
State prosecutor Alifereti Takalaivuna informed the court that the prosecution intends to call the two doctors to give evidence on whether there are measures that could improve Mr Dasalusalu’s mental condition.
Following the inquiry, Mr Takalaivuna said the State would be considering other alternatives, possibly a special verdict.
The inquiry has been scheduled for July 30.
