The 18-year-old high school student, Rihaal Kumar, who allegedly caused the death of Sharuf Shaakir Khan at a Suva apartment complex earlier this month, has been ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.
Suva High Court Judge Justice Daniel Goundar says this is to determine whether Kumar was suffering from any mental illness at the time of the incident and to assess his fitness to stand trial.
Justice Goundar also denied bail for Kumar.
The State Counsel, Bhavna Kantharia informed the court that it was a premeditated murder where Kumar took a dagger and kitchen knife with him.
When the judge asked for an explanation, Kantharia says that during the caution interview, Kumar claimed it was for self-defence.
She says three knives were used.
The State Counsel says he had asked his father to sharpen the knife as well.
She says multiple wounds were found on Khan, however, they are awaiting the post mortem report.
Kantharia says the motive remains unclear, but there were messages suggesting a sexual encounter, although Kumar did not admit to any sexual activity between them.
She says he remained at the scene and Khan's brother-in-law had called the police when Kumar confessed that he had killed Khan.
The State Counsel says that the school has terminated Kumar.
A kerosene gallon was also found at the scene, and Kumar in his caution interview said Khan had asked him to bring it.
Kantharia says Kumar has no mental illness history but his mother is a patient at Saint Giles Hospital.
Defence counsel, Mark Anthony argued that Kumar is a first-time offender and therefore entitled to bail.
Anthony says the seriousness of the crime alone should not be the only factor considered.
He says Kumar is still under the care of his parents.
He says Kumar told him that he had gone to Khan's place for a cleaning job.
The Legal Aid Commission has withdrawn from the case as a private lawyer has now been engaged.
Kumar has been charged with one count of murder.
The matter is adjourned to the 29th of August for plea.
