The redeeming process used by the Jezreel Lion of Judah group was one of the main issues discussed when the prosecution cross-examined the leader of the group Jone Cokanauto today.
Cokanauto has told the Suva High Court that other men in his prayer group also performed the redeeming process.
He denied that the redeeming process is only done to women and girls.
Cokanauto also denied that it was only him that decided when a female could be redeemed.
He said that the redeeming process was not done on a one to one basis to a female.
Cokanauto said that it is not true that a woman’s body had to be physically cleansed during the redeeming process.
When asked by state prosecutor, Meli Vosawale, Cokanauto said that he is not trying to save himself.
He also said that he never called himself a man of God but it was his followers who called him a man of God.
Cokanauto also said that he has been faithful to his wife.
He said he has been a faithful husband 100 percent.
Cokanauto also said that he did not have a child with the first prosecution witness.
While being re‑examined by the defence, Cokanauto said if people are trying to take him go to jail, then he will never be guilty because only God knows the truth.
Cokanauto then said that they redeemed the land and not people.
He said he has travelled all around Fiji with his team to pray for the land.
Cokanauto said he even went to Nakauvadra to redeem the land.
Cokanauto also cried in court as he responded to questions about a DNA test to prove that he had children with two prosecution witness.
Cokanauto said that the prosecution lawyer was being unfair when he was told to read a line from the DNA test document.
He then read a statement from the DNA test document which said “this document is strong scientific support that Jone Cokanauto is the father”.
Justice Salesi Temo then asked prosecution lawyer Meli Vosawale why they did not do a legal paternity test as it would have shown the actual percentage of the blood relation.
Meanwhile Cokanauto’s niece who is also a member of the Jezreel Lion of Judah Group has told the Suva High Court that they always had prayer sessions in Cokanauto’s bedroom or at church.
The second defence witness Selai Lewanikoro said that she has been a member of the group since 2000 and there would be around 500 people part of Jezreel Lion of Judah but only 10 people were in their prayer group.
Lewanikoro said that they continue to have prayer sessions everyday.
She said they would also have prayer sessions when someone was sick or when someone needed deliverance which is chasing away the evil spirit in people.
Lewanikoro said they also used a bucket for the deliverance.
The woman said Cokanauto never preached about him having sex with other members.
She also said that she was giving evidence because she was asked by Cokanauto who is her pastor and uncle.
Cokanauto has pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape, four counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape.
It is alleged that he committed the offences in Nasinu and Taveuni between 2005 and 2012.
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