The High Court has ruled that widow Molly Katanga has a case to answer in connection with the death of her husband, prominent businessman Henry Katanga.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, presiding judge Rosette Comfort Kania held that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence requiring Ms Katanga to mount a defence against the murder charges. The decision followed submissions from the state outlining the evidence gathered during investigations into the businessman’s death.
Justice Kania stated that at this stage of the trial, the court is required to determine whether the evidence on record establishes a prima facie case against the accused persons. She ruled that the threshold had been met with respect to Molly Katanga, thereby placing her on her defence.
The judge also ruled that Ms Katanga’s daughters, Patricia Kakwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi, have a case to answer. Additionally, the family’s shamba boy, George Amanyire, and medical officer Charles Otai were found to have a case to answer over allegations of destroying evidence and assisting the widow in evading punishment.
According to the prosecution, the four are accused of interfering with evidence and aiding actions allegedly intended to obstruct the course of justice following Henry Katanga’s death. Justice Kania determined that the evidence presented by the state warrants a response from each of the accused.
The ruling means all five individuals must now prepare and present their defence before the court. At this stage, they will have the option to give sworn or unsworn statements and may call witnesses in support of their case.
The matter will proceed to the defence hearing, where the accused will be required to explain their version of events surrounding the circumstances of Henry Katanga’s death.
