Summary:
- The deceased have been identified as Julius Beinomugisha Kato, aged 40, and Nelson Niwatuha, also known as Ndyagabondo, aged 25. Both individuals were casual laborers and residents of Muyanje Cell, Bwambara Parish, Bwambara Sub County in Rukungiri district.
RUKUNGIRI: Police in Rukungiri District are currently investigating the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of two individuals following a violent altercation.
The deceased have been identified as Julius Beinomugisha Kato, aged 40, and Nelson Niwatuha, also known as Ndyagabondo, aged 25. Both individuals were casual laborers and residents of Muyanje Cell, Bwambara Parish, Bwambara Sub County in Rukungiri district.
According to a statement released by the police, the incident occurred on Tuesday evening at approximately 06:30 PM at Omukayembe trading center in Muyanje cell.
Niwatuha had been contracted to dig a garden for a resident named Nsheija in Omukayembe Trading Centre. He enlisted the help of Julius Beinomugisha Kato to assist him with the task, with the intention of completing the work together.
However, the situation escalated when, after completing the job and continuing to consume alcohol, Julius demanded payment for their services. Niwatuha’s response, stating that their payment was the money spent on alcohol, incited an argument between the two men which quickly turned physical.
Tragically, Julius was struck during the altercation and succumbed to his injuries immediately. In response to this, enraged local residents retaliated against Niwatuha, resulting in him being assaulted by a mob.
Despite efforts to intervene and transport him to Bwambara Health Centre III, Niwatuha ultimately succumbed to the injuries sustained during the assault.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, has confirmed that the police were alerted to the incident by the area chairperson, Caleb Tumwekwasize.
Following the report, the crime scene was promptly visited, examined, and documented, while statements were recorded from witnesses. Postmortem examinations were conducted on the bodies of both deceased individuals.
Maate further stated that investigations into the matter are currently ongoing, with a focus on identifying and apprehending those involved in the mob violence. He assured the public that individuals found culpable will be brought to justice in accordance with the law.
CUE IN MAATE…..ON THE MATTER….RR/ENG//
