‘Uncle Khalid’ to appear as a witness?

The question arose when attorneys representing two men charged with the murder, and the State Counsel prosecuting, engaged in arguments over questions being asked of the second witness called to testify. The inquiry began before Magistrate Indrani Cedeno.

Charged with Mala’s murder is businesswoman Sheldon Reid, 33, and Dwayne Swan, 23, both of Five Rivers, Arouca. The accused are being represented by attorney Richard Valere.

It is alleged that Reid and Swan shot Mala dead on the night of May 10, 2004, as she drove into the garage at her home.

Three of the 16 witnesses scheduled to testify for the State were called yesterday.

The question of the deceased’s husband, Khalid "Uncle Khalid" Mohammed, being called to testify for the State was raised when Valere objected to the evidence of witness Pradeep Pooran, led by State attorney Quincy Marshall. Pooran is Mala’s brother. Saying that the question was irrelevant, Valere interrupted: "I gather he (Marshall) is calling Mr Khalid Mohammed (as a witness)." Mohammed, police sources confirmed yesterday, is yet to return to the country since he left after the arrest of the two men accused of his wife’s murder.

Marshall made legal submissions to support his solicitation of the evidence from Pooran. The magistrate eventually asked the attorneys to submit written arguments on the issue. Pooran’s evidence was deferred until the ruling is given. Other witnesses testifying for the State were Mala’s nephew, Rishi Ramkissoon, and watchman Harripersad Teemul.

It was one year ago yesterday since Mala was gunned down in the garage of her home at Edward Street, Princes Town.