Shikapwasha could not have shot himself – Ballistic Expert tells Court

GRACE CHAILE

A FORENSIC ballistic expert has ruled out the possibility that former Zambia Air Force Commander, Lieutenant General Ronald Shikapwasha, shot himself.

Testifying before the Lusaka High Court, Inspector Isaac Kalimanshila said ballistic and forensic evidence strongly indicated that the fatal shot came from another person and not self-inflicted.

Shikapwasha was allegedly shot on January 14, 2024, between 17:00 hours and 18:00 hours at his Ibex Hill residence using a Spanish-made double-barrel shotgun, serial number 168462. He sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of the abdomen and died the following day at Maina Soko Military Hospital.

Inspector Kalimanshila stated that based on the entry wound and damage to the victim’s clothing, the shot was fired from a distance of 5 to 30 centimeters,a range classified as “close contact,” where the muzzle is not touching the skin but is in very close proximity.

“No gunshot residue or stippling was observed on the victim’s clothing or skin, which rules out a contact shot,” he testified. “The angle and nature of the wound, combined with bullet trajectory analysis, make it implausible that the deceased could have pulled the trigger on himself.”

The expert said a torn white T-shirt worn by the deceased had a triangular hole consistent with a shot fired from left to right. Gunshot residue fluoresced around the hole under ultraviolet light, further supporting the trajectory analysis.

Kalimanshila said 21 lead pellets were retrieved eight during surgery and 13 during the postmortem. These matched the calibre and characteristics of the double-barrel firearm, which he confirmed was in perfect working condition.

He explained that the gun, designed to discharge 18.5mm cartridges, has two triggers for each barrel. Test firings confirmed that the spent cartridge casing from the scene had matching firing pin marks with the right barrel of the exhibit firearm.

“No fingerprints or gunshot residue were recovered from the firearm or garments due to possible contamination or environmental exposure,” he said.

He concluded that the fatal wound was caused by a single shot from the right barrel of the shotgun fired at close range, and that the weapon is classified as a dangerous and restricted firearm under Zambian law..