On January 10, 2024, Martha Nkwanzi, the daughter of the late businessman Henry Katanga, has been remanded to Luzira Prison over charges of tampering with evidence related to the murder of her father. Appearing before the Nakawa Chief Magistrate’s Court, Nkwanzi, flanked by her lawyers, denied the charges brought against her.
The arrest followed an issuance of an arrest warrant, with Nkwanzi surrendering to the court just two days later. Chief Magistrate Elias Kakooza ruled against bail, emphasizing that the case file had been sent to the High Court for review following complaints from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The matter is scheduled for hearing on January 16, 2024.
The court was informed that Nkwanzi had recently given birth and was undergoing postpartum trauma treatment in a hospital, which her lawyers argued should be considered for her release on bond or bail. However, Chief Magistrate Kakooza maintained that the court would not entertain a bail application and anticipated that such an application would be made in the High Court.
Martha Nkwanzi, aged 29, now joins three other suspects—Patricia Kakwenza (Katanga’s daughter), Dr. Charles Otai, and domestic worker George Amanyire—who are already on remand. The four are accused of destroying evidence and being accessories after the fact of murder, with Molly Katanga, the deceased’s wife, facing criminal summons on charges of alleged murder.
The prosecution alleges that on November 2, 2023, at Mbuya, Chwa 2, Nakawa Division, Molly Katanga killed her husband with malice aforethought. Martha Nkwanzi and Patricia Kakwenza are accused of removing or destroying evidence with the intention to prevent it from being used in evidence. Dr. Otai and Amanyire are charged with assisting others to escape punishment.
The case has garnered public attention as investigations into the murder of businessman Henry Katanga unfold.
