Security review after stabbing

The community release of highsecurity mental health patients is expected to come under close scrutiny following the fatal stabbing of a mother of four.

The man accused of murdering Laisa Maraia Waka, a stranger to him, had been granted short-term leave from Hillmorton Hospital where he was being cared for in a secure unit. He did not return to his unit at the agreed time, prompting Hillmorton staff to call police.

But by then, Waka had already been fatally stabbed.

Waka, 52, was metres from her home in Cheyenne St, Sockburn, when she was attacked by a man wielding a knife about 4.20pm on Saturday. She died at the scene.

Health Minister Andrew Little sought assurances yesterday that a ‘‘full investigation would be conducted'' and he expected some clarity next week. Little said he expected inquiries by both the Ministry of Health's director of mental health and addiction and by Canterbury District Health Board.

‘‘We have to know what the circumstances were that meant [the man] was out on the streets on Saturday afternoon. This is incredibly tragic for [the victim's] family ... and my thoughts are with them,'' Little said.

A 37-year-old man, who has name suppression, was arrested soon after Saturday's fatal stabbing about 500m away in Epsom Rd. He has been charged with Waka's murder.

The man, who was an inpatient at Hillmorton Hospital's secure unit, was granted community leave on Saturday.

About 2pm, he caught a bus to his brother's home in Sockburn, about 6km away.

The man made it to his sibling's house but left. Waka was fatally stabbed nearby a short time later.

Police confirmed yesterday that they were notified the man was missing about 4.45pm on Saturday, nearly 30 minutes after Waka was attacked.

Investigators working on the homicide inquiry have interviewed staff who were working at Hillmorton Hospital that day.

On Tuesday, Waka's grieving husband, Nemani Tunidau, said he was angry that the man who allegedly killed her had been out in the community, and he was