The husband of an Australian woman killed in Fiji last month has been charged with her murder, according to local media reports.
Jennifer Ann Downes, who had worked in the Fijian capital of Suva for the United Nations World Food Programme since 2017, was allegedly murdered in a domestic violence incident.
Local media reported that her husband Henry Lasuka John, an Australian national originally from Congo, was hospitalised for several weeks after allegedly attempting suicide following the incident.
He was subsequently questioned by police and has now been charged with one count of murder, after a post-mortem conducted on July 25 found murder to be the cause of Ms Downes' death.
He will appear in the Suva Magistrates Court tomorrow.
"We are heartbroken at the loss of our daughter," her father Chris Downes told the Fiji Sun newspaper last month.
"She was a caring and vibrant logistician working in the South Pacific region. Through her humanitarian work over almost 20 years around the world, she made many friends who are all grieving at this loss."
Ms Downes and her husband have three children under the age of five and recently separated.
"Please be assured that our three lovely grandchildren are with us and safe," Mr Downes told the Fiji Sun.
"The Australian High Commission, the UN and the Fiji Police are being so helpful and giving us much assistance."
During a July visit to Fiji, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said: "I am deeply saddened by the tragic death of Australian woman Jennifer Downes in Fiji".
"The Australian Government has zero-tolerance for violence against women and their children, both at home and abroad."
"We are deeply committed to working with Pacific governments, women's organisations and communities to end violence against women and children."
