Accused stopped taking medication before alleged murder, court told
St Giles medical officer outlines psychiatric assessment during High Court proceedings.
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 16:30
Murder accused Samuela Dasalusalu (right) escorted by a police officer to the High Court in Suva on July 30, 2026.
Photo: Ronald Kumar
A man charged with the murder of a 16-year-old girl in Naqali Village, Naitasiri, had stopped taking his prescribed medication before the alleged offence, the High Court in Suva heard today.
Senior medical officer at St Giles Hospital Dr Faurina Panapasa presented the findings of a psychiatric report after examining accused Samuela Dasalusalu on December 22, 2025.
She prepared the report following the assessment.
During the proceedings, State prosecutor Alivereti Takalaivuna questioned Dr Panapasa about the report.
She told the court that Dasalusalu had stopped taking his prescribed medication before the alleged incident and that this had previously resulted in aggressive behaviour.
The court also heard that Dasalusalu suffers from a chronic psychotic illness.
According to Dr Panapasa, Dasalusalu said during the assessment that he took what he described as a cane knife, saw a young girl walking along a pathway, chased her and, after she fell, struck her with the knife.
Dr Panapasa also testified that Dasalusalu said a male relative later intervened and stopped him.
She further told the court that, based on her assessment, Dasalusalu was not under the influence of illicit drugs on the day of the alleged offence.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Watisoni Navuni questioned Dr Panapasa about Dasalusalu's 23 previous admissions to St Giles Hospital and whether he had been prescribed the same medication on each occasion.
Dr Panapasa replied that medication could change over time depending on a patient's condition.
The case continues tomorrow.
