Police tell court accused said he did not regret killing pregnant partner

A taxi driver accused of murdering his 31-week-pregnant partner allegedly confessed to police and repeatedly said he did not regret killing her, the High Court in Lautoka heard today.

Daniel Francis Prasad, 47, of Nadi, who remains in custody, is standing trial before Justice Aruna Aluthge on one count of murder.

He is alleged to have fatally stabbed his 28-year-old partner at their home in Kerebula, Nadi, on April 27, 2025.

During a voir dire hearing yesterday, three officers from Namaka Police Station gave evidence about their response to the incident.

One officer, who lives near the accused, told the court his landlord informed him that Prasad had gone around telling neighbours he had killed his partner.

The officer said he immediately went to the accused's home, where he found Prasad and the couple's three children standing in the driveway.

He told the court he identified himself as a police officer and followed the required procedures before speaking to the accused.

According to the officer, Prasad repeatedly told him he had killed his partner with a cane knife and that her body was inside the house.

The officer said several bystanders had gathered near the driveway before he reported the matter to Namaka Police Station.

Two other officers later arrived at the scene.

One of those officers told the court they entered the house and found the victim lying in a pool of blood.

He also testified that after Prasad was arrested, the accused repeatedly said he did not regret killing his partner.

The court heard that the victim died at the scene.

The prosecution alleges Prasad struck his partner on the lower part of her head and neck with a cane knife following an argument, causing fatal injuries.

It is also alleged that the couple's three children were at home and witnessed the incident.

During cross-examination, Mr Edwin Wainiqolo asked one of the police officers whether he knew the accused before the incident.

The officer replied that police had previously received reports from the deceased, who had made complaints about domestic disputes involving the accused.

The State is represented by John Vaurasi and Joeli Naivalu.

The trial continues this week.