The Nakawa Chief Magistrates Court, led by Chief Magistrate Erias Kakooza, issued an arrest warrant for Molly Katanga, widow of the late businessman Henry Katanga, concerning the alleged murder of her husband. This decision, made on Monday, followed a request from the Prosecution, represented by Jonathan Muwaganya.
The Prosecution, emphasizing the completion of investigations, argued that Molly’s purported illness lacked court substantiation. Despite a medical condition letter from Molly’s next of kin, the Magistrate, without consideration, proceeded to issue the arrest warrant.
| Accused | Charges |
|---|---|
| Molly Katanga | Murder |
| Patricia Kakwanza | Tampering with evidence |
| Martha Nkwanzi | Destroying evidence |
| Amanyire George | Accessory to murder |
| Charles Otai | Accessory to murder |
The warrant instructs the police to apprehend Molly, reportedly bedridden, and bring her to court by February 12th, 2024. Molly’s lawyers cited recent surgeries and hospitalization to explain her medical condition. Alongside her daughters Patricia Kakwanza and Martha Nkwanzi, Molly faces charges of murder and destroying evidence, respectively.
In addition, Amanyire George (a shamba boy) and Charles Otai (a health worker) are accused of being accessories to murder. The Prosecution alleges Molly shot Henry Katanga on November 2nd, 2023. The daughters are accused of tampering with evidence, making it unidentifiable for judicial proceedings, while Amanyire and Otai allegedly assisted others involved in the crime.
Court documents reveal Molly and Henry had four children, including the daughters involved in the trial. Before his death, Henry expressed concerns about his safety, fearing tracking by his wife. Precautions, such as changing phone passwords and acquiring a new private telephone line, were taken.
On November 1st, 2023, Molly and the deceased had dinner together, but the next day, only Molly was found in their bedroom. A loud blast led to the discovery of blood. Nkwanzi and Kakwanzi arrived, and the latter drove Molly to Bugolobi Medical Center. Postmortem reports, forensic analyses, phone printouts, and scene-of-crime reports are expected to be pivotal evidence in court.
The Prosecution contends that Molly’s DNA was found on the trigger, and the cartridges matched the pistol recovered at the scene. The DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) asserts that there is no valid defence for the accused persons, urging their conviction.
