Ms. Molly Katanga, the widow of murdered businessman Henry Katanga, has today 2nd July 2024 arrived at the High Court for the highly anticipated murder trial.
Ms. Katanga was found unconscious with severe head wounds on November 2nd, 2023, the same day her husband was discovered dead in their Mbuya residence.
Since then, she has undergone multiple surgeries. Today, her head bandage had been replaced with a white head cloth.
However, the process was slow, suggesting ongoing struggles with mobility following her injuries.
Justice Isaac Muwata read the murder charges to Ms. Katanga, who, despite the surgical mask, confirmed her understanding and pleaded not guilty.
Her two daughters, Patricia Kankwanzi and Martha Nkwanzi, also denied charges of tampering with evidence related to their father’s murder. The family’s domestic worker, George Amanyire, and a nurse, Charles Otai, both pleaded not guilty to charges of being accessories after the fact.
The trial proceedings were temporarily halted by Judge Muwata as Mr. Amanyire requested a Rutoro language interpreter. The judge seeks to ensure all parties understand the court proceedings.
This high-profile case has seen short-lived legal developments in the past eight months. Ms. Katanga’s bail requests were denied, and there have been disputes regarding pre-trial document disclosure.
Ms. Katanga appeared visibly frail and required assistance from prison wardens to manoeuvre into a wheelchair.
The Katanga murder trial is finally underway, promising to shed light on the events surrounding Mr. Katanga’s death.
