23 Aug 2022

 A ballistic expert, Detective Chief Inspector, Admire Mtizwa says a 30.6 mass grave rifle and a bullet jacket examined on January 16, 2018 are a perfect match.

He was giving evidence in chief on Monday in the trial of David Modise and Tumelo Tshukudu who are charged for the October 18, 2015 murder of former Fairgrounds Holdings Chief Executive Officer, Michael Montshiwa. 

Mr Mtizwa, an officer with the Zimbabwe Police, Forensic Directorate said he examined a firearm that was brought by Senior Superintendent Sergeant Marapo from Botswana Police Service.

He said the examination was carried out on the firearm and the bullet cartridge (jacket). 

He said the bullet jacket (the outer cover of a bullet) that was said to have been retrieved at the murder scene was checked in comparison with the gun, which was alleged to have been used in the murder of Montshiwa and therefore exhibited as part of evidence.

He said the bullet jacket was examined under a laser microscope, checking for special marks that were unique to the gun that was used in firing the bullet.

Mr Mtizwa said the special marks on the bullet jacket that was brought by Snr Supt Marapo for examination were a perfect match with those of the bullet jackets from the bullets that were fired as part of the test.

“We concluded that the bullet from the bullet jacket that was brought for examination was discharged by the same gun, which we examined,” said Mr Mtizwa.

However, he stated that at first, the weapon/rifle was not firing and it was only after cleaning that it started firing.

The trial will continue on October 06, when the defence attorney, Mr Ofentse Khumomotse representing Modise (the first accused person), will cross examine the ballistic expert.

The second accused person (Tshukudu) is represented by Mr Enock Mazonde, while the prosecution team is led by the duo of Ms Merapelo Mokgosi and Mr Moagi Ndlovu.

The case is before Gaborone High Court Judge, Justice Dr Zein Kebonang.  ENDS