By Dean Lubowa Saava
The defence team in the high-profile murder trial of Molly Katanga, accused of shooting her husband Henry Katanga, will cross-examine ballistic expert witness Derick Nasawali over gun residue evidence. Nasawali testified that gunshot residue was found on Katanga’s hand and clothing, linking her to the crime.
Key Points:
Gunshot Residue Evidence: Nasawali’s testimony claims that residue was detected on Katanga’s hand and Kitenge dress.
Cross-Examination: The defense will challenge the reliability and accuracy of Nasawali’s findings.
Trial Background: Katanga maintains her innocence, while the prosecution relying on ballistic evidence.
Police Ballistic Expert Derick Nasawali, the 11th witness in the trial, presented a crucial piece of evidence: the firearm believed to have been used in the killing.
The defense team in the high-profile murder trial of Molly Katanga is set to cross-examine a key witness this afternoon, following testimony from a police ballistics expert who confirmed the presence of gunshot residue on the body and clothing of the lead accused.
Police Ballistic Expert Derick Nasawali, the 11th witness in the trial, presented a crucial piece of evidence: the firearm believed to have been used in the killing.
Mr Nasawali testified that the weapon was found in working condition and had been fired, solidifying its link to the crime.
He further detailed how gunshot residue was detected on both Molly Katanga’s hand and her Kitenge dress, suggesting a direct connection between the accused and the weapon.
Related Developments:
Bail Denied: Katanga’s bail request was denied for the third time, citing the severity of the murder charge.
Forensic Concerns: Defence lawyers raised concerns about potential discrepancies in forensic evidence analyzed by police expert Andrew Mubiru.
According to Nasawali, these findings strongly imply Katanga’s involvement in the shooting incident, a central aspect of the prosecution’s case. The evidence, he argued, places her in direct proximity to the firearm at the time of the shooting. Following the morning session, the court took a brief recess for lunch and is expected to reconvene at 2:30pm.
During this time, the defence team is expected to rigorously cross-examine Nasawali. The primary aim will be to challenge the reliability and accuracy of his findings, potentially questioning the forensic methods used to gather the gunshot residue evidence and its interpretation in the context of the case.
The trial, which has captured significant public interest, centres on the fatal shooting of a prominent individual. Ms Katanga stands accused of being the key figure behind the incident, with the prosecution leaning heavily on ballistic evidence to support their claims.
However, the defense has consistently sought to undermine the strength of this evidence, presenting alternative theories and questioning the validity of the forensic conclusions. With heightened media attention, all eyes are now on the courtroom as the trial progresses.
The cross-examination of Nasawali is seen as a pivotal moment that could influence the course of the trial and shape the eventual outcome of this landmark case.
