SUSPECT SHOT, KILLED AFTER ATTACKING OFFICER WITH PANGA
The Territorial Police in Elgon Region and Sironko are investigating circumstances under which the arrest of a suspect of Aggravated Defilement, ended with a deadly shooting.
The incident occurred on the 12/10/2019 at around 0500/c, at Nabukalu village, Bumugwedi Parish, Busiita Sub-county, Sironko district. The suspect identified as Wodeya Mathew, a 23 year old, male adult had ever committed defilement, two years back and escaped to Kaabong district, where he stayed with other members from his same village. He once again defiled and impregnated 14 year old, female juvenile and escaped to his village in Sironko. The victim was a primary five pupil of Bukikoso Primary School in Kabong; and was staying with her elder sister.
The preliminary facts indicate that the suspect bought a panga and threatened to attack whoever attempted to arrest him. Several pleas from his mother to amicably resolve the matter went in vain. And when the officers from Police Station who came to arrest him tried to get him using holistic approaches. The suspect instead charged at the officers who fired a warning shot in the air, and two other shots which hit the suspect and incapacitated him. He was rushed to Budadiri Health Centre IV, and eventually succumbed to the injuries while being transferred to Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Exhibit of the panga recovered.
The shooting is evidence of the violent nature of policing. We urge all territorial commanders to always conduct thorough risk assessments before responding.
The officer identified as PC Musa Kirunda is on police bond, awaiting the opinion of the DPP, to help determine whether he acted in self defence or not.
CP Fred Enanga
Police Spokesperson
14th October, 2019
