A man has pleaded guilty to murdering a woman and stabbing a man in Canterbury in September.
The Christchurch justice precinct. Photo: Supplied / Minister of Justice
Shiu Prasad, 52, entered the plea in the High Court in Christchurch today.
He was charged with the murder of Keshni Mala Naicker and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm of Asveen Sharan on 15 September.
Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Cottam hoped Prasad's plea would go someway to helping the Naicker family along with Mr Sharan and his family.
"I believe the tragic set of circumstances resulting in the loss of Keshni Naicker's life was avoidable.
"It highlights the need for people to reach out for support in times of relationship breakdown and stress," he said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cottam also acknowledged the actions of a group of people that went to the aid of Ms Naicker and challenged Prasad to put down the knife.
"What they saw was truly horrific and I would not wish that on anybody. However, their actions were selfless, and for them to still help was truly courageous," he said.
Prasad will be sentenced at a later date.
