Prosecution objects to six witnesses, including three doctors, being called in Zachary Rolfe murder trial

CROWN prosecutors have objected to three doctors being called as witnesses in the trial of NT Police officer Zachary Rolfe who was charged with murdering Aboriginal teen Kumanjayi Walker.

Constable Zachary Rolfe arriving at Canberra Airport after being charged over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker at Yuendumu. Picture: Kym Smith

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CROWN prosecutors have objected to three doctors being called as witnesses in the trial of NT Police officer Zachary Rolfe who was charged with murdering Aboriginal teen Kumanjayi Walker.

The Alice Springs Local Court also set out dates for the oral preliminary examination mention.

Prosecutor Collette Dixon said there were six witnesses the prosecution did not consent to including three doctors.

Judge John Birch told Ms Dixon that defence counsel Luke Officer set out reasons why he wishes to, or the defence wish to cross-examine these people.

“You’ve just said no. So I don’t know whether you’ve given any further indication to Mr Officer as the basis upon which you don’t consent,” Mr Birch said.

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Ms Dixon raised issues with the extent to which permission was given and by whom for police to enter the premises in which Walker was shot.

“That’s clearly a relevance argument. Counsel has, I think, had some discussions with opposing counsel,” she said.

Ms Dixon said she would have information on the basis of the objection and said there might be a “minor difficulty” with one of witnesses who resides in the United States.

“So there’s obviously going to be difficulties with time, trying to do link ups with the US. So it may need slightly varied court sittings to be able to accommodate when a facility in the US is open with our jurisdiction’s time,” she said.

Rolfe was not required to appear in court, and both defence counsel and prosecution appeared by video link.

Judge Birch listed the matter on 14 August at 10AM for a “preliminary examination application as to the cross-examination of witnesses.”

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Both the defence counsel and prosecution indicated they intend to appear in person at the committal proceedings.

The court had previously heard that relating to the alleged murder had been put on the “backburner” due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Birch enlarged Rolfe’s bail until 14 August.

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