A renowned pastor in Lira has been arrested by police for allegedly causing grievous harm to a 13-year-old boy.
The territorial police command at Lira-City West Division are investigating a case of suspected assault on a 13-year-old boy by a pastor.
SP Okema disclosed that the incident occurred on August 26, 2023, in the evening hours (16:27 hours) from Kakoge C Cell, Kakoge Ward, Lira-City West Division in Lira City.
This report was registered at Ojwina Police Station by a concerned citizen who is a resident of Obanga Pe-Wany Cell, Ireda West Ward, Lira City West Division.
It is alleged that on August 25, 2023, at around midday, in Kakoge C Cell, Kakoge Ward, Lira-City West Division, one Owot Patrick, a pastor and step-father to Ocip Hillary, used an electric wire which injured Ocip seriously on the grounds that he did not perform well in his second-term examinations 2023.
The victim was later picked up by a well-wisher (now the complainant) and taken to the police for legal redress.
A case of assault was preferred against the accused. Meanwhile, the victim was examined on Police Form 3 (PF3) and the classification of the injury was grievous harm. The suspect was arrested and is now in police custody at Lira-City West Division. Statements of the victim, reporter, witnesses, and suspect have been recorded and attached to the file.
However, he disclosed that the case file has already been forwarded to the Resident Chief State Attorney (RCSA) in Lira for perusal and legal advice.
“We want to strongly condemn such an act which is barbaric in nature. However, I would rather prefer to advise parents to take a slow approach with slow learners.” Added PRO SP Patrick.
Okema said that once the file is sanctioned by the RCSA, he will definitely be arraigned before court to answer to the charges levied against him.