Court

Congo national charged with murder further remanded

August 26, 2019 12:55 pm

A 39-year-old Congo national charged for allegedly murdering his 44-year-old wife Jennifer Downes made his first appearance in the Suva High Court.

Kiala Henri Lusaka today told the court that he wants bail so that he can make arrangements for a private counsel.

The 39-year-old says he had a Legal Aid lawyer who was not helpful and he does not trust the work of legal aid.

Article continues after advertisement

He then stated that if given bail, he would sell his cars and other property to pay for a lawyer, however his credit and debit cards, his two cars and passport are with police.

The accused also informed the court that he was not allowed to use phones to arrange a lawyer while in custody – making it difficult to organize a counsel.

The Director of Public Prosecutions office has indicated that they will oppose bailing.

While being escorted to the cell block, Lusaka tried to intimidate a journalist from FBC News asking if she wanted to have a better look at his face.

A police officer escorting the accused then told the accused Lusaka to move to the block without any drama.

It is alleged that on the 23rd of last month, Lusaka murdered his wife Jennifer Downes who was a logistics officer for the United Nations’ World Food Program in the Pacific.

The case will be recalled on September 13th for a plea.