Court orders psychiatric assessment for Naitasiri murder accused

A 43-year-old man charged with the murder of a 16-year-old girl in Naqali Village, Naitasiri, has been ordered to undergo a three-day psychiatric evaluation at St Giles Psychiatric Hospital.

Samuela Dasalusalu appeared before Chief Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola today, facing one count of murder.

It is alleged that on December 10, Dasalusalu struck the victim, Salote Sikiti, multiple times with a knife outside a home in the village.

This was Dasalusalu’s second court appearance, following an initial hearing at the Nausori Magistrate Court.

Chief Magistrate Waqaivolavola upheld a previous request for a mental health assessment, ordering that the accused be transported directly to the psychiatric facility following the proceedings.

Upon completion of his evaluation, Dasalusalu will be held at the Suva Remand Centre.

The matter has been adjourned to January 5, 2026.