Butebo, (UG):- Police in Butebo District, eastern Uganda have arrested the manager of a fuel pump on suspicion of murder after his night watchman, identified as Kobo Musa, was found dead on Monday morning.
Police said Okwalinga Paul, the manager of Hajir Fuel Pump is now in their custody to help with investigations over the suspected murder while another individual, Sijabwa Abdul Sudi, remains at large.
Preliminary reports indicate that Kobo, a 38-year-old resident of Busekero cell in South Ward, Butebo Town Council, had been serving as a night watchman at the fuel pump, and on the night of April 22, 2024, he began his usual duties.
However, early the next morning, at approximately 6:00 a.m., Okwalinga Paul, the fuel pump manager, made a startling discovery when he found Musa seated, leaning against the fuel pump, with a ten-litre jerrycan of fuel by his side.
Despite calling out to Musa, the manager received no response. Upon approaching him, Paul realized with horror that the night watchman had passed away.
Paul immediately sought assistance from Sijabwa Abdul Sudi, a former night watchman and immediate neighbour of the fuel pump, and the two allegedly moved the deceased’s body to a hiding spot behind the manager’s office, located ten meters away from the fuel pump.
Musa was dressed in a pair of black shorts, a red T-shirt, and a purple coat, with visible bruises on his body. Additionally, fuel was found spilt outside the fuel pump, raising further suspicions.
Local authorities swiftly responded to the incident. Police officers arrived at the scene and carefully documented the crime scene, gathering crucial evidence. Statements were recorded from witnesses, revealing that Musa had been assigned to work alone that night.
“During a search of Sijabwa’s residence, officers discovered a ten-litre jerrycan and 1.5 litres of diesel fuel stored in a Rwenzori bottle. The recovered items are believed to be connected to the case,” police reports say.
Meanwhile, Musa’s body has been transported to the Mbale City mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.
As the investigation unfolds, the police are intensifying their efforts to locate Sijabwa Abdul Sudi, who is currently on the run. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Sijabwa’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the inquiries.
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