Durban - Chatsworth family murder accused Megamberry Armugam Rajen Kandasamy, 44, has admitted to having been drunk on the day of the killing.
He also showed no signs of any psychiatric disorder, his mood was normal and he had interacted well with staff and other patients while being examined at a psychiatric hospital. These were some of the findings of two psychiatric evaluation reports on Kandasamy which were presented by State prosecutor, Lolly Soobramoney, at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Kandasamy is charged with the murder of his wife Varsha (Mala), 41, son Megandran, 17, and daughter, Melarisa, 18, last year. All three were bludgeoned with a gada – a traditional Indian mace.
Mental assessment reports presented by the state found Kandasamy fit to stand trial.
Yesterday, two more reports were submitted to magistrate Leon Ferreira – a private report and one from Fort Napier Psychiatric Hospital.
According to the Fort Napier report, Kandasamy’s intellectual ability was within the average range of functioning, he had no history of mental illness and he admitted to being highly intoxicated on the day of the incident.
The report also found that Kandasamy followed ward instructions and interacted well with staff and other patients, he was physically stable and healthy. The report also made reference to Kandasamy’s claims that his wife had filed for divorce and he had attempted a possible overdose, but that he could not substantiate it with any evidence.
The hospital’s report was compiled by Dr John Dunn, Senior psychiatrist and Dr Xoli Mfene, a clinical psychologist, who assessed Kandasamy from March 10 to April 7 this year.
In the private assessment report by the Midlands Medical Centre, Kandasamy admitted abuse of alcohol the night before the incident. His mental state examination revealed an essentially co-operative man who answered questions appropriately and relevantly. The report concurred with the other two – that Kandasamy did not suffer from a mental illness.
The case was adjourned to later this month for Kandasamy’s formal bail application. He was remanded in custody.
Daily News