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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 33495, member: 636"]
No gunshot residue found on Mrs. Katanga's hand, expert testifies.

The state's 13th witness in the Katanga murder trial testified Monday that samples from Molly Katanga's right hand did not contain gunshot residue. Dr. Jaffar Kisitu, a forensic chemist with Uganda Police, explained that true gunshot residue requires both diphenylamine and its breakdown products.

Defense attorney Elison Karuhanga pressed this point during cross-examination. He highlighted two swab samples from Mrs. Katanga's right hand - one tested negative, and the other showed incomplete chemical markers. Mrs. Katanga displayed her right hand in court, missing half her pinky finger, as Karuhanga emphasized the lack of gunshot residue evidence.

Earlier testimony had placed Mrs. Katanga's DNA on the trigger area of the pistol found at the scene. The defense team questioned evidence collection procedures, including possible secondary DNA transfer. They also raised concerns about whether investigators examined the correct firearm.

The absence of gunshot residue on Mrs. Katanga's dominant hand appears central to her defense strategy against charges related to her husband Henry's death. Court proceedings continue as both sides debate the reliability of the forensic evidence presented.
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