Murder inquiry report 'cannot be traced'

A court heard yesterday that the official report compiled by a magistrate during the inquiry into the fatal stabbing of a woman in Safi 21 years ago could not be traced.

Police Inspector Chris Pullicino told Magistrate Giovanni Grixti that the inquiry report on the murder of 54-year-old Rozina Zammit had been compiled by Mr Justice Anton Depasquale, who was a magistrate at the time.

The inspector was speaking during the compilation of evidence against Silvio Mangion, 40, who is pleading not guilty to repeatedly stabbing and killing Ms Zammit on February 8, 1984.

During yesterday's brief sitting Magistrate Grixti ruled that there were enough reasons for Mr Mangion to be indicted. He also appointed a psychiatric expert to examine the accused.

Mr Mangion is currently serving a 21-year jail term for the murder of Frenc Cassar, 74, of Zejtun, and the attempted murder of Guza Cassar on August 18, 1988.

Late last month he was arraigned and charged with the murder of Maria Stella Magrin at her home in Cospicua 19 years ago. He pleaded not guilty to stabbing her repeatedly on October 29, 1986.