Bullet through the skull: Chilling pathologist testimony reveals how Dr Bobe was executed

Harrowing forensic evidence was heard at the High Court in Blantyre today, as the murder trial of seven people accused of killing Dr Victoria Bobe took a dramatic turn with detailed medical testimony describing the exact nature of the fatal shooting.

Pathologist Dr Steve Kamiza told the court that Bobe was killed by a close-range gunshot wound to the head, revealing the horrifying trajectory of the bullet — entering from the back of her skull, passing directly through, striking the ceiling, before ultimately falling onto the bed. Kamiza confirmed the injuries were severe and were the direct cause of her death.

Firearms expert confirms semi-automatic weapon used at close range

Kamiza’s harrowing testimony was followed by evidence from the eighth State witness, Superintendent Lawrence Gondwe, a firearms specialist from Lilongwe Police Headquarters, who told the court that physical evidence recovered from the crime scene was consistent with a semi-automatic firearm having been discharged at close range.

Gondwe confirmed that a bullet had been recovered from the scene, while gunpowder residue was discovered both on the door and directly on the victim’s head and neck — further corroborating the account of a close-range shooting.

Security guard “supplied information” to attackers, court told

In a significant development, the ninth witness, Assistant Superintendent John Julius Makolija of Limbe Police Station, told the court that investigations had uncovered evidence implicating Bobe’s own security guard, Peter Mphepo, in the deadly attack — alleging he had supplied significant information to the accused that ultimately facilitated the assault.

Justice Ruth Chinangwa adjourned proceedings until this afternoon, when the State, represented by lawyers from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, is expected to call a further witness to continue building its case.

The seven accused are facing charges of murder, robbery and burglary in connection with the killing of Dr Bobe, who was fatally shot at her home in Chigumula, Blantyre, on 17 November 2025 — a case that has gripped the nation and continues to unfold with increasingly graphic detail as the trial progresses.