Retired Veterinary Officer Assaults Wife over Phone Dispute, Suspect Arrested in Rukungiri

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By Nathan Bahangwa

RUKUNGIRI – A 65-year-old retired veterinary officer in Rukungiri District has been arrested after allegedly assaulting his 54-year-old wife, Olivia Tumusiime, a resident of Kababagi Cell in Kicence Parish, Nyakishenyi Sub County.

The suspect in question, identified as George Tindiwengi Bitambeki, has been apprehended and is presently being held at the Rukungiri Central Police Station in connection with a case involving the tragic demise of his wife.

Elly Maate, the police spokesperson for the Kigezi region, has provided details surrounding the incident. According to Maate, a report was filed at the Nyakishenyi Police Station by Ijugo Africano, the local area chairperson, detailing the tragic circumstances of Tumusiime’s death due to assault.

As outlined in the official police statement, the events unfolded on the 24th of July, 2023, around 6:00 PM at Nyakishoroza Trading Centre in Kacence Parish, Nyakishenyi Sub County. During that time, the deceased was found in possession of a phone belonging to her paramour, Tindiwengi George Bitambeki. Accompanied by her young grandson, Basiima Ezra (11 years old), Tumusiime encountered a contentious situation.

In the course of events, it was disclosed that the suspect’s daughter had contacted her father on the aforementioned phone. In response, Tumusiime, along with Basiima Ezra, conveyed the phone to the suspect at his residence. Subsequent to delivering the phone, the deceased remained at the suspect’s home.

Trouble arose on the night spanning from the 24th to the 25th of July, 2023. A dispute erupted concerning the ownership of the phone, which Tumusiime had held onto for several days and wished to retain. Allegedly, Bitambeki responded to this disagreement by physically assaulting her, employing a grazing stick (referred to as an “enkoni”).

Following the altercation, Tumusiime departed from the scene, making her way towards her residence. Tragically, she collapsed within the premises of Tukamushaba Costance’s residence. Costance promptly alerted her neighbor, Tumwakire Alex, who rushed to provide assistance. Together, they transferred Tumusiime into Costance’s dwelling, where regrettably, she succumbed to her injuries.

In light of these events, a thorough examination of the crime scene was carried out and meticulously documented. The suspect was taken into custody, while the deceased’s body was transferred to the Rwakabengo Health Center III mortuary for postmortem analysis.