A senior medical officer has told the High Court that Naqali murder accused Samuela Dasalusalu acknowledged having schizophrenia but believed his condition was caused by witchcraft rather than a medical illness.
Dr Faurina Panapasa told Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu that Mr Dasalusalu has a longstanding history of chronic schizophrenia and had been admitted to St Giles Hospital 23 times, mainly due to stopping medication and substance abuse, which led to relapses involving hallucinations and threatening behaviour.
The court earlier this month granted the State’s application for an inquiry into Mr Dasalusalu’s mental state under Section 104 of the Criminal Procedure Act after three psychiatric evaluation reports concluded that Mr Dasalusalu remained unfit to stand trial or enter a plea.
Dr Panapasa, who prepared the first psychiatric report dated January 2, 2026, said Mr Dasalusalu reported hearing voices on the day of the alleged offence, telling him “the person bullying you is coming”. He claimed he armed himself with a cane knife, chased 16-year-old Salote Sikiti and struck her after she fell.
The High Court is conducting an inquiry into Dasalusalu’s mental state after three psychiatric reports found he remains unfit to stand trial or enter a plea.
The inquiry continues today.
