Investigation into death at health facility

On 9 September 2023, 37-year-old man Wajiid Kakar died at the Dhulwa Mental Health Unit (Dhulwa), in Symonston.  

Mr Kakar, had appeared before the ACT Supreme Court on Thursday 31 August 2023. The Supreme Court had entered special verdicts of not guilty by way of mental impairment for one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder in relation to an incident that occurred in Page in February 2021.  

The Supreme Court had ordered that  Mr Kakar be detained in custody for immediate review by the ACAT under s 180 of the Mental Health Act 2015, pursuant to s 324(2)(a) of the Crimes Act 1900.  

On 4 September 2023, Mr Kakar was placed into the care of Dhulwa. 

In the evening of 8 September 2023 Mr Kakar suffered what appears to be a medical episode and was declared deceased in the early hours of 9 September 2023. His death is being investigated by the ACT Coroner.  

As the death is a death in custody, a hearing must be held at a future date. 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES  

POLICE MEDIA — (02) 5126 9070,  act-police-media@afp.gov.au