High Court judge Justice Daniel Goundar yesterday refused to grant an application by the prosecution for murder accused, Tevita Qaqa Kapawale, to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Mr Kapawale is accused of murdering Qiritavabea Cagilabakomeli, Benjamin Semuel Mattaputty, Alfat Kodri, Eme Warma, and Samuela Sukera, who were crew of the fishing vessel Tiro II .
He also allegedly attempted to murder another two members of the crew, Kaminieli Tacama and Mitieli Cama, while the vessel was on a fishing trip in Fiji waters on May 18, 2021.
State prosecutor Eoghn Samisoni sought 21 days to file and serve information and disclosures and also made an application for psychiatric evaluation.
Justice Goundar said he would not make any order for psychiatric evaluation as there was no indication of a family history of mental health issues.
He said according to Mr Samisoni, the accused in his caution interview made full admissions and did not show signs of mental instability.
Justice Goundar also said that a psychiatric evaluation was a medical procedure and needed the consent of the accused. “If he does not consent then you’ll have to make a formal, written application,” he said.
The state is to file and serve information and disclosures by Friday, May 13.
The case will be called again on Tuesday, May 17, when the accused, who is represented by Nemani Tuifagalele, is expected to take his plea. He was further remanded in custody.
