THE Mujuru family wants to bring in a South African expert to re-examine the findings of a state pathologists who concluded that General Solomon Mujuru died from smoke inhalation, the inquest into the ex-army chief’s death heard Friday.
State pathologists concluded that General Mujuru, killed when a fire gutted his Beatrice farmhouse last August, had died from carbonation which is caused by the direct inhalation of carbon dioxide.
But Mujuru family lawyer, Thakor Kewada, told an inquest into the tragedy underway at the Harare Magistrate’s court that the general’s family wanted a second opinion.
"As you all know experts have varied opinions and in this case there is a possibility that this new pathologist could have a different opinion from the one who conducted the initial post mortem," Kewada said when asked by Regional Magistrate and coroner, Walter Chikwanha to justify the move.
“He may or may not agree with the first pathologist and whether the body will be exhumed or not it’s up to him."
"I actually don't know how he will go about it I only rely on what the expert will say."
State prosecutors did not oppose the application and Chikwanha said he would make a ruling when the inquest resumes Monday although he insisted there would be no exhumation.
Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Crispen Makedenge who led police investigations into Mujuru’s death said their findings indicated there was no possibility of foul play in the tragedy.
"Our investigations were concluded and no foul play is suspected. All the witnesses that we interviewed and evidence collected failed to determine or indicate foul play," Makedenge said.
"The post mortem report also confirmed that the late General died from inhaling toxic fumes from the fire."
Asked by Kewada why the police probe had taken four months to conclude, Makedenge said that was because they did not want to “leave any stone un-turned”.
He added that police also positively identified Mujuru’s remains after conducting DNA tests using blood samples provided by his daughter, Kumbirai Rungano. The DNA match was 99.9 percent.
Police forensic ballistics expert, detective inspector Admire Mtizwa also told the inquest that examination of spent cartridges found in the gutted house showed that they had exploded from the fire.
He said firearms recovered from the scene had been extensively damaged by the fire and it was impossible to determine whether they had been recently used or not.
The inquest also heard that Mujuru had 15 firearms in the house. 14 were licensed commercial firearms used for hunting and accessible to farmers, while one was an army issue AK47.
The hearing continues on Monday.