The Suva High Court has mandated a second psychiatric evaluation for Samuela Dasulusalu, who is charged with the alleged murder of 16-year-old Salote Sikiti in Naqali Village, Naitasiri. This evaluation aims to determine his fitness to stand trial.
Dasulusalu faces serious accusations, having purportedly attacked Sikiti with a cane knife multiple times last December, resulting in her death. Following a request from the State for a new evaluation, he has been remanded in custody.
The first psychiatric assessment, conducted last month, concluded that Dasulusalu suffers from Schizophrenia and is unfit for trial due to his longstanding mental health issues. In court, Justice Daniel Goundar inquired whether Dasulusalu was adhering to his prescribed medication. Dasulusalu responded that he had been denied the medication at the Suva remand center due to reported side effects.
Justice Goundar instructed the State to verify the claims regarding medication access at the remand center. Additionally, Dasulusalu mentioned that he had not received any visits from family during his time in remand. The Judge proposed that his family be contacted to apply for legal aid representation on his behalf.
The court has emphasized the importance of another psychiatric evaluation to assess whether Dasulusalu can be granted bail, contingent on the report indicating he does not pose a threat to public safety. The next court appearance is scheduled for the 27th of next month.
This situation highlights the critical intersection of mental health and the legal system, and it underscores the ongoing need for proper support and assessment for those facing serious legal challenges.
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