Murder accused remains unfit for trial

A man accused of murdering a teenage girl in Naqali Village, Naitasiri, remains mentally unfit to stand trial, the High Court in Suva has been told.

Samuela Dasalusalu, 43, appeared before Justice Pita Bulamainaivalu today, where the court was informed that a recent psychiatric assessment found he was still unable to understand or participate in legal proceedings.

Dasalusalu is charged in relation to the death of 16-year-old Salote Sikiti.

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

Senior State Lawyer Eoghn Samisoni said a psychiatric report dated June 18 concluded that Dasalusalu was not fit to enter a plea or stand trial at this stage.

The State sought additional time to review the report and determine the next course of action in the case.

The court granted the request and further remanded Dasalusalu in custody.

The matter was adjourned to July 9.