Zimbabwean wife killer charged with first-degree murder in CANADA

An Antigonish,CANADA, Zimbabwean woman, Ottilia Chareka, was killed Wednesday by her husband, Patrick Chareka, 47, who on Thursday was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Five children woke up Wednesday with no mother. On Thursday, their father was charged with first-degree murder in her death.


The late Ottilia Chareka speaks in the film Familiar Stranger in this YouTube clip

"These children now have no parents. This is about as bad as it gets," defence lawyer Gerald MacDonald said after Patrick Chareka, 47, was arraigned in Antigonish provincial court in the murder of his wife, Ottilia Chareka, 42.

Reports say the oldest child, a university student in her early 20s, and family friends are looking after the other four children ' three teenagers and a preschooler.

Patrick Chareka remains in custody and returns to court March 30 to set down dates for his preliminary inquiry.

The judge placed several conditions on him but a publication ban prevents them from being published.

"First-degree murder is a planned and deliberate killing," said Crown attorney Darlene Oko.

No details of Ottilia Chareka's death have been made public, other than that she was found after a 911 call brought police to the couple's home at 27 Centennial Dr. in Antigonish at about 12:40 a.m. Wednesday. She was rushed to St. Martha's Regional Hospital but died about two hours later.

Jennifer Desmond, a friend of Ottilia Chareka's, left the courtroom Thursday and was immediately surrounded by television cameras and reporters.

"It's a loss to the community and the world," Desmond said. "She was a mentor and a role model to African-Nova Scotian women."

Ottilia Chareka was an associate professor in St. Francis University's education department. Her research focused on how education can bring marginalized groups such as aboriginals, African-Nova Scotians and immigrants into prominent positions in society.

"Her work was in helping others," said Sean Riley, the president of St. F.X.

"She essentially was focused on citizenship and the ability of education to be an enriching and mobilizing force for under-represented groups."

Patrick Chareka had worked as a professor in St. F.X.'s math and statistics department as recently as 2009.

The Charekas came to Canada from Zimbabwe. Ottilia received bachelor's and master's degrees and a doctorate from the University of New Brunswick.

"When a tragedy like this happens, many people pitch in," Riley said. "There will be a great deal of effort in Antigonish and the university community to help in a practical way."

A memorial service will be held in the university chapel at 2 p.m. Sunday. Riley said a fund is being set up to collect money for the Chareka children.

Donations can be made to the Bergengren Credit Union in Antigonish, account number 50623-112 and transit number 80143-839.  For cheque writing purposes, this can be shortened to Children of Ottilia Chareka or Memorial Fund for Ottilia Chareka.

The Bergengren Credit Union can process donations as long as Ottilia's name is in the title. Cheques can be sent to the Faculty of Education, St. Francis Xavier University, PO Box 5000, Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5 or to Minnie van de Wiel, Deposit Administration Clerk, Bergengren Credit Union, 257 Main Street Antigonish NS B2G 2C1.