A group of at least 17 individuals who were detained on charges of defilement, arson, drug possession, and robbery managed to escape from Rwampara Central Police Station.
The escape occurred in the early hours of Sunday at approximately 1 am when the detainees dug their way out of the male police cell. Rwampara Central Police Station is situated in Buteraniro Nyeihanga, Rwampara district, located in western Uganda.
Click here to join our WhatsApp group and receive daily news
Jane Muhindo, the RDC Rwampara district, verified the incident and suggested that the escapees likely received assistance from an external party.
Muhindo stated, “We suspect that it was a premeditated criminal act where an accomplice outside the station assisted the suspects in creating a hole by breaking through the brick wall, allowing for their escape.” However, she did not provide details regarding the specific tool employed to breach the wall.
Muhindo also disclosed that some of the escaped suspects have already been located and reapprehended, while an investigation is underway regarding the officers who were on duty during that night.
She refrained from divulging the exact number of suspects who have been recaptured.
The fugitives who managed to escape custody are Twimatsiko Ignatius, Aronda Salim, Ariho Erick, Muhumuza Barcklays, Tumwekwatse Yakobu, Nyesiga Jackson, Tujunirwe Medard, Baguma Rogers, Akampa Benson, Turinawe Laubel, Atukunda Lawrence, Mwijukye Joram, Tusiime Akara, Muhanguzi Ronald, Kamugisha Denis, and two others whose names are not disclosed.
Akankwasa Anthony, one of the police officers who was on duty that night, described the sequence of events, stating that PC Wanaria Christine No. 51832 heard unusual barking from the police dog stationed at Rwampara police.
When she investigated, she discovered that the male police cell had been breached, and the suspects had escaped through a hole they had dug from within the cell.
Following the escape, the District Police Commander, Scene of Crime officers, and the Criminal Investigation Division team arrived at the scene and initiated a search operation to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
The officers on duty have faced disciplinary action for neglecting their duties, and further interrogations are being conducted regarding the incident.
Rwampara Central Police Station is situated along the Mbarara-Kabale highway, with the front of the station facing the road while the cells at the back overlook a dense, bushy area.
Typically, duty officers focus their attention on the front of the station since the cells are usually secured.
Also Read: “Boba Boda Rider Carrying Matooke via Game Park wasn’t eaten” -UWA Clears the Air
COURTSEY PHOTO