Health check order for murder accused

The remand centre has a duty of care towards accused persons, which includes health checks, High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar said. Justice Goundar presided over the case of Sailosi Naivalurua, 21, on Friday when he made the statement.

Naivalurua, charged with murder, told the court that he had been having severe pains below his ribs, possibly from his appendix, while at the Suva Remand Centre. He said he could not lie down to sleep, but could only sit down or stand up, and officers had not taken him to a health centre.

The court heard that the accused was examined by the medical orderly at the remand centre, and was told to get a court order so that he could be taken for check up at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

Justice Goundar told him that he did not give orders for medical checks. He issued a directive for the accused to be given the necessary medical care by authorities at the remand facility.

The accused is alleged to have struck a 40-year-old victim with a cane knife several times on April 21. The victim sustained injuries and passed away on April 23 in hospital.

His case has been adjourned to June 12 for the State to file information and disclosures.

The accused was further in custody. remanded