Alleged vandal remanded for psych evaluation
It is alleged that Tawase climbed over the grilled fence of the temple and began smashing Hindu ornaments.
Tuesday 15 July 2025 | 10:17
Updated 08 August 2025 | 15:30 FJT
Samuela Tawase outside Magisrate Court on July 14, 2025. Photo: Ronald Kumar
Samuela Tawase, 28, who was charged with committing sacrilege at the Samabula Shiv Mandir Temple in Suva last Friday, has been further remanded pending a psychiatric evaluation.
Tawase made his first court appearance before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad yesterday, facing one count each of sacrilege and throwing an object.
It is alleged that Tawase climbed over the grilled fence of the temple and began smashing Hindu ornaments.
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During the proceedings, Police Prosecutor Sergeant Jone Tupou submitted a medical report to the court.
After reviewing the report, Magistrate Prasad ordered that Tawase be produced before Chief
Magistrate Josaia Waqaivolavola to proceed with his application for a psychiatric evaluation at the Saint Giles Psychiatric Hospital.
Until then, he is to be kept separately from other remandees for safety precautions. The case has been adjourned to July 28.
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