Medical and Forensic Evidence Heard In Shikapwasha Murder Trial

By Pauline Ngozoh

The High Court has heard further medical and forensic evidence in the murder trial involving the late retired Lieutenant General Ronnie Shikapwasha, with a nurse testifying on what the former Zambia Air Force Commander said shortly after he was taken to hospital, and a forensic analyst testifying on DNA findings.

Testifying before High Court Judge Conceptor Zulu, Sergeant Mutinta Muleya, a nurse who was on duty in the emergency department at Maina Soko Military Medical Centre on January 14, 2024, said the retired General was brought in around 17:00 hours appearing restless and holding his abdomen with a white towel. She said his vital signs were normal upon assessment and he identified himself as retired General Shikapwasha.

She testified that while collecting blood samples she asked what had happened and he responded that his gun had fired. She said she did not ask further questions because he was restless.

The prosecution also called Forensic Analyst Innocent Makasa, who testified that DNA analysis on a white towel generated a single male DNA profile which matched the reference sample for Shikapwasha, while DNA profiles from a white vest, blouse and carpet contained contributions from multiple individuals and were reported as inconclusive.

The case arises from a shooting at the Shikapwasha family residence in Ibex Hill, Lusaka, on January 14, 2024. Lt. Gen. Shikapwasha died the following day at Maina Soko. His widow, Jane Lusengo, is charged with murder contrary to Section 200 of the Penal Code and has pleaded not guilty. The Court has previously heard from his daughter Vanessa Shikapwasha, scenes-of-crime officer Detective Inspector Jeff Sitali, former secretary Prisca Banda Daka, and ballistic expert Inspector Isaac Kalimanshila. The trial continues.