Court orders psychiatric inquiry for Naqali murder accused

The prosecution in a murder case told the High Court in Suva that three psychiatric assessments had already been carried out on accused Samuela Dasalusalu.

The court heard that two doctors who examined Dasalusalu are expected to give evidence at the next hearing.

However, the defence argued that the psychiatric reports should be sufficient and that there was no need for the doctors to testify, although it agreed that a mental inquiry should proceed.

The High Court has ordered the inquiry to determine whether Dasalusalu, 43, is mentally fit to stand trial over the alleged murder of 16-year-old Salote Sikiti.

Dasalusalu appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu today, where the State prosecution applied for an inquiry into the soundness of his mind under Section 104 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

During the hearing, defence counsel also raised concerns that doctors had not been visiting Dasalusalu regularly while he was in custody, resulting in him running out of his prescribed medication.

Justice Bulamainaivalu said the issue must be addressed by the Corrections Centre.

It is alleged that on December 10, 2025, Dasalusalu repeatedly attacked Sikiti with a cane knife outside a house in Naqali Village, Naitasiri, causing injuries that later led to her death.

The matter has been adjourned to July 30, when the two psychiatrists are expected to testify as part of the mental inquiry.