KANUNGU: Police in Kanungu District have arrested Rtd Pte Bariyo Benson (52), a resident of Kyamugaga cell, Nyarutojo parish in Kambuga Sub County, for allegedly fatally Killing Moses Kihwahwa with a machete.
According to a police statement, yesterday around 3:00 PM, Rtd Pte Bariyo, returning from the farm with a machete via Kyamugaga Town Council, engaged in conversation at the home of Zubedda Kababule near the area chairman’s residence.
They discussed how Junior, a fellow villager, had been stealing household items and selling them to Moses Kihwahwa, a well-known opium smoker and drunkard.
When Kihwahwa approached wielding a stick, seemingly to strike Benson on the head, Benson reacted swiftly, attempting to disarm him.
In the ensuing struggle, Kihwahwa was inadvertently cut deeply on the hand by the machete, resulting in severe bleeding. He was rushed to Kambuga Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrest of the suspect, who is now in police custody at Kanungu Central Police station for interrogation.
Maate stated that due to threats of arson, police have secured the suspect’s home, with the Community Liaison Officer and the area Officer in Charge present to educate the public on the perils of mob justice.
The deceased’s body has been taken to the Kambuga hospital mortuary for postmortem examination.