A 33-year-old male patient at the psychiatric ward at Vaiola Hospital has been charged with murder in relation to the death of another male patient on Friday, August 25.

Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said today the accused from Talafo’ou is alleged to have punched and kicked the 55-year-old victim on various parts of his body, during an altercation at around 8:00am.

Police received the report of his death at 9:00am. The deceased is from Ngele’ia.

"We are waiting on the doctor’s report to determine the cause of death as well a medical report on the accused's mental state. In the meantime, he has been charged with murder," he said.

The accused was expected appear at the lower court today. "We also requested that he be moved from Central Police Station and remanded at Hu’atolitoli Prison," said Vailea.

Both were patients at the psychiatric ward.