Disturbing details in murder trial

SYMBOLS of the occult were seen at the Lusaka residence, the High Court in Suva was told during the murder case involving Congolese national Kiala Lusaka.

Testifying via Skype from his home in Australia, former United Nations South-West Pacific regional security adviser, Charles O’Hanlon, said he and a police officer were at the Lusaka residence several times on Friday, July 19, 2019.

Mr Lusaka is charged with the murder of his 44-year-old wife, Jennifer Anne Downes, on July 23, 2019, at their home at Service St in Suva.

The couple met in Africa while Ms Downes was working for the United Nations.

Mr O’Hanlon said during the first visit, Mr Lusaka was aggressive and swore at them. They returned to the police station so the officer could change into civilian clothing as they believed the police uniform was bothering Mr Lusaka.

He also said the officer received a text saying the family were spotted near a cemetery.

He said Ms Downes contacted him saying Mr Lusaka told her to send $US1000 ($F2026) to the Western Union Damodar City branch.

He dropped the officer off and went alone to Damodar City but did not find Mr Lusaka.

He picked up the police officer again and they made their way to the Lusaka’s residence at Service St.

When they arrived, Mr Lusaka greeted them and invited them in.

Mr Lusaka then said he had seen Mr O’Hanlon at Damodar City and instructed his children to lay low so they would not be spotted.

Mr Lusaka had said he had gone to buy a live chicken which he strangled in the backyard.

Mr O’Hanlon said when he stood to go out, he saw “a large pentagram on the floor of the children’s bedroom” and when asked about the pentagram, Mr Lusaka said “the white man’s God is powerless. Black magic is where the real power is”.

Mr O’Hanlon said Mr Lusaka left to prepare tea and returned very alert and bragged about manufacturing and selling methamphetamine in Suva in co-operation with a powerful individual who owned a taxi service.

The trial continues today.