A police officer in Buhweju District, western Uganda, is currently being sought by authorities after a civilian was shot and killed. The incident transpired on October 25 when the Officer in Charge (OC) of Burere Police station went to apprehend a suspect in Rwajere village, Rwajere Parish, Burere Sub County within Buhweju District.
The suspect, identified as No 44120 CPL Gracious Taremwa, was unsuccessful in arresting the accused individual, Mr. Mayas Katureebe, upon reaching his residence. According to Mr. Marcial Tumusiime, the Greater Bushenyi Region Police Spokesperson, the two police officers had gone to effect the arrest of Mayas Katurebe, who was facing accusations of obtaining money under false pretenses.
Accompanying the officers was the Chairman of Rwajere village, Mr. Moses Kiwanuka. Upon arriving at the suspect’s home, he refused to open the door, prompting the Chairman to forcibly gain entry. This resulted in a confrontation between the suspect and the police officers.
The suspect managed to escape from the police and fled to a nearby trading center. He was subsequently apprehended by Police Constable (PC) Derick Mwendya but resisted arrest by wrestling with the officer. During the struggle, the OC, Mr. Taremwa, used the butt of his gun to subdue the suspect. Unfortunately, during this process, a bullet was discharged, striking one of the onlookers in the vicinity who had been observing the civilian’s altercation with the police officer.
The deceased, identified as Bitahwa Osbert, 23, a resident of Rwajere Central in Rwajere Parish, was transported to Nsiika Health Center IV for a postmortem examination. Mr. Taremwa subsequently left his firearm at Burere Police station and went into hiding.
The firearm in question, an SMG rifle with the serial number UGPOL 56583257341982, was found, along with 28 rounds of ammunition and one cartridge. The authorities are actively searching for the police officer involved in the incident.
