RUKUNGIRI, UGANDA: Two police officers in Rukungiri district have been arrested over negligence and absenteeism that led to escape of over 10 suspects from police custody.
The two policemen have been identified as one Sgt Boniface Muhozi the officer in charge of the counter and PC Wilson Masereka, the station guard.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson says the two officers “were not on duty for unknown reasons as suspects tricked another cell guard to escape.”
Maate says this Friday morning at around 4.28Am at Rukungiri Central Police Station, the suspects in the male cells raised an alarm claiming one of them had collapsed and needed urgent attention.
“It’s alleged that on Friday at around 04:28am, suspects in male cells at Rukungiri Central Police Station raised alarm claiming one of them had collapsed and needed urgent attention,” police narrated.
“The male cells guard SPC Christopher Mujurizi, unaware of the trick opened the cells to check and the suspects suddenly pushed him and dashed out of the cell as they ran towards the police in charge’s office door,” Mr Maate explained.
Some of the suspects who escaped include Byamugisha Allan, a remandee charged with theft, Ampeire Davis, charged with aggravated defilement, Mwesigwa Amos charged with Causing death by Rush and Negligent Act, Niwagaba Davis charged with assault, Arinda Peter charged with threatening violence, Akampamya Stuart charged with Threatening Violence, Niwagaba Sam Davis charged with theft, Akankwasa Andrew charged with Threatening Violence, Mubangizi Abert charged with theft and Kakuru Adam charged with Shop Breaking and theft.
“The policemen including the third one still at large, PC Reuben Tumwesigye, have been charged with absenteeism from the station without official leave,” Mr Maate confirmed June 24.
Police are now asking locals to report the suspects “to be charged accordingly.”
“A case of escaping from lawful custody has been recorded at Rukungiri CPS,”Mr Maate said.
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