Kota Kinabalu: The 72-year-old man accused of murdering his former fiancée, whose dismembered body parts were found in a rubbish bin at Taman Indah Permai, Sepanggar, has been found fit to stand trial and does not suffer from any mental illness.
During the mention of Piluta Samad’s (pic) case on Thursday before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus for the status of the psychiatric report, the prosecution informed the court that the report from Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang was ready.
The prosecution said the report confirmed that Piluta is fit to plead and stand trial and does not suffer from any mental illness.
However, it applied for another mention date to obtain further instructions from the Deputy Public Prosecutor.
Counsel Datuk Ram Singh raised no objection to the application and said he hoped the case would be transferred to the High Court by the next mention date.
The court fixed Aug 27 for further mention.
Piluta is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code with murdering his former fiancée, Hamidah Husin @ Lisa, 44, at a house in Kampung Sri Kenangan, Jalan Sepanggar, between 6pm and 7pm on Feb 11 this year.
The offence carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years and, if not sentenced to death, a minimum of 12 strokes of the cane upon conviction.
On April 15, the magistrate ordered Piluta to undergo psychiatric observation at Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang following an application by the defence.
No plea has been recorded as the charge falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Also appearing for the defence were counsel Ian Vun and Prem Elmer Ganasan.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Akash Singh appeared for the prosecution.
