A forensic chemist faced tough questions Monday during the Molly Katanga murder trial. Defense lawyers attacked Dr Jaffar Kisitu about how he handled evidence. They pointed out missing signatures on paperwork meant to track sample movement. The defense team questioned who actually did the testing since another name appeared as the analyst. Dr Kisitu explained he supervised the work as team leader.
Lawyer McDosman Kabega called the report contradictory because it claimed gunshot residue was found on all items but also said none appeared on Molly Katanga's right hand. The defense noted wrong dates in the report, saying November 13, 2023, was listed as Thursday when that date never existed. They suggested the report came from copying old documents. Dr Kisitu admitted these were simple mistakes anyone might make.
The trial took a dramatic turn when defense lawyer Elison Karuhanga asked Molly to show her right hand during the video call from prison. She raised it slowly, revealing that part of her pinky finger was missing. The lawyer confirmed with Dr Kisitu that no gunshot residue was found on that hand. Prosecution lawyer Jonathan Muwaganya later asked follow-up questions about why certain items weren't tested.
Dr Kisitu explained he looked for inorganic gunshot residue components, not organic ones. He told the court that residue spreads randomly after a gun fires. He said the same components won't appear on every item, even from the same scene. When asked if people can see gunshot residue, Dr Kisitu said it remains invisible without special equipment.
Lawyer McDosman Kabega called the report contradictory because it claimed gunshot residue was found on all items but also said none appeared on Molly Katanga's right hand. The defense noted wrong dates in the report, saying November 13, 2023, was listed as Thursday when that date never existed. They suggested the report came from copying old documents. Dr Kisitu admitted these were simple mistakes anyone might make.
The trial took a dramatic turn when defense lawyer Elison Karuhanga asked Molly to show her right hand during the video call from prison. She raised it slowly, revealing that part of her pinky finger was missing. The lawyer confirmed with Dr Kisitu that no gunshot residue was found on that hand. Prosecution lawyer Jonathan Muwaganya later asked follow-up questions about why certain items weren't tested.
Dr Kisitu explained he looked for inorganic gunshot residue components, not organic ones. He told the court that residue spreads randomly after a gun fires. He said the same components won't appear on every item, even from the same scene. When asked if people can see gunshot residue, Dr Kisitu said it remains invisible without special equipment.
