The High Court on Monday saw a major development in an ongoing murder trial as the suspected weapon used in the crime was formally presented as evidence.
The courtroom, presided over by Judge Rosette Comfort Kania, heard from expert witness Derrick Masawali, a police firearms examiner, who detailed his forensic analysis of the exhibits, including a black Zastava pistol.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Wakooli Samali, alongside Chief State Attorneys Jonathan Muwaganya and Anna Kiiza, presented the forensic expert’s findings to establish the gun’s connection to the crime.
Defense lawyers Peter Kabatsi, MacDosman Kabega, Jet Tumwebaze, and Elison Karuhanga represented the accused.
During his testimony, Masawali, who heads the Ballistics and Tool Marks division at the Directorate of Forensics Services, confirmed receiving two sets of exhibits related to the case.
The first submission, received on November 3, 2023, from Jinja Road Police Station, included a black Zastava pistol with serial number UG1622200061 CZ99 Compact, which was allegedly recovered from the master bedroom of the crime scene.
Along with the firearm, a pistol magazine containing 10 live rounds, additional ammunition, and swabs from gunshot residues were analyzed.
Masawali testified that forensic tests were conducted to determine whether the firearm was functional and capable of discharging live rounds.
He also examined whether the bullets found at the scene matched those that could be fired from the weapon.
The prosecution further sought confirmation on whether gunshot residue from the victim’s body matched characteristics of the seized weapon.
A second batch of exhibits, received on November 6, 2023, included a projectile recovered from the bed, multiple swabs taken from an individual identified as Molly, and articles of clothing found at the crime scene.
These were also examined for possible links to the shooting incident.
The court heard that forensic reports linked key ballistic evidence to the suspected murder weapon, strengthening the prosecution’s case.
The defense is expected to cross-examine the forensic expert in the next hearing session.
As the trial progresses, the court awaits further testimonies and evidence that may shed more light on the circumstances surrounding the murder.
The case continues to capture public interest, with many keenly following developments on whether the evidence presented will lead to a conviction.
