Apac district is in shock as authorities search for Hassan Heza, a resident of Acholi Inn village, Kungu Parish, Akokoro Sub-County, accused of brutally cutting his wife, Santare Similimana, to death with a machete on Friday. The 30-year-old victim leaves behind two children, a boy and a girl, as the police intensify efforts to locate the suspect who is currently on the run.
Akokoro Sub-County, situated in Apac District, gained unfortunate notoriety when Hassan Heza allegedly committed this heinous crime. The suspect’s residence in Acholi Inn village has become a focal point of investigations as the police attempt to unravel the motive behind the horrifying incident.
This tragic event occurred merely two days after another shocking incident in nearby Ibuje Sub-County, where a 15-year-old boy fatally struck his own father. The community is grappling with the aftermath of both incidents, highlighting the need for addressing domestic violence and ensuring the safety of individuals within households.
According to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Region Police spokesperson, the couple initially lived in Apaa, Amuru District, before relocating to Acholi Inn village due to the contentious Apaa land dispute. A history of disagreements led to the couple’s separation, mediated by local leaders. The husband, however, lured his wife back with a pretense of reconciliation.
The gruesome incident unfolded on Friday, January 5, around 3:00 pm, when Heza persuaded his wife and their son to accompany him to cut trees for burning charcoal. Once in the bush, he declared them hostages, brandishing a machete and attacking Similimana. Fortunately, the son managed to escape and sought help from nearby residents.
Upon reaching the scene, rescuers found Similimana in a pool of blood, but Heza had fled. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries upon arrival at the nearby health center. The LC1 chairperson of Acholi Inn village, Patrick Aguzigwe, reported the incident to the police, initiating an investigation into the brutal crime.
A post-mortem was conducted, and Similimana’s body was released to her relatives for burial. Okema expressed the police’s determination to apprehend Heza, urging him to surrender to the nearest police station or anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward for arrest and prosecution.
