Fingerprint evidence links the killing of the Zambian president’s brother with the attempted murder of a Hong Kong tour guide, the Pretoria Regional Court heard on Friday.
Claurina Chaka’s fingerprints were found in Chung Man Hei Ward’s hotel room, police fingerprint expert Donnie Mokeri testified.
It is alleged that Chaka, who worked as a prostitute, used the date rape drug Rohypnol to spike the drinks of Ward and Rex Mwanawasa — the brother of Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa — before robbing them.
Chaka has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of drugs.
Mwanawasa’s body was found in a Pretoria hotel room in October 2002. A post mortem revealed the cause of death as an overdose of Rohypnol.
On Friday the manager and porter of the Manhattan Hotel told the court how they discovered Ward.
”A man lay on the bed. It looked like he was sleeping. We called him, but he did not react. I called an ambulance and ordered that nothing should be touched and the room locked,” manager Jethron Majozi recalled.
Porter David Kekana added: ”There were documents strewn across the floor.”
Chaka’s case was postponed several times because her lawyer was suspended.
On June 30 a magistrate warned her to find new legal representation as she might be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty.
The trial will continue on September 1. Chaka remains in custody. – Sapa