Lusaka appeared in the Suva High court today in relation to the death of his 44-year-old wife in July.

The Legal Aid Commission has refused to represent 39-year-old Congo national Kiala Henri Lusaka – facing a murder charge.

Lusaka appeared in the Suva High court today in relation to the death of his 44-year-old wife in July.

In an earlier court sitting, Legal Aid had made an application to withdraw as counsel however the High court had ordered the Commission to relook at their decision.

Lusaka’s earlier application was rejected on the basis he has the means to pay for counsel.

The Suva High court today allowed the Legal Aid Commission to withdraw with the accused given an option to either engage a private lawyer or to represent himself.

Lusaka has informed the court that he will represent himself and has indicated that he speaks Fench, Portuguese and Spanish – but does not understand English.

Judge Justice Daniel Goundar has adjourned the matter to January 31st to allow prosecutors to explore the option of translating disclosures into French, failing which the court will try to secure free private counsel for Lusaka.

He is alleged to have murdered his wife Jennifer Downes, a logistics officer for the UN World Food Program in the Pacific in July this year.