Police Probe Murder of Night Watchman in Rukiga

With multiple cases of violence emerging, including other recent murders linked to personal disputes and land conflicts, there is an urgent need for enhanced community vigilance and police action through collective efforts in making sure that such tragedies and heinous acts do not go unpunished.

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Murder
Forensic scientist at work taking photos at the crime scene. Courtesy photo

Police in Kigezi are investigating circumstances under which a 46-year-old bar night watchman was hacked and hanged to death by unknown assailants in Rukiga district.

The incident happened on November 6, 2024, in Rwamucucu sub-county, Rukiga district. The deceased was identified as Moses Byekwaso, a resident of Maheru cell, Rwamucucu sub-county, Rukiga district.

According to Agatha Kyomugisha, the owner of the bar, Byekwaso reported for work as usual at around 6:00 pm, then at around 11:00 pm Kyomugisha closed the bar, went home, and left him behind watching over the bar. However, on coming back, she found Byekwaso dead, bleeding and hanging on one of the window’s burglar bars.

’’I notified police right away, and a team of officers was sent to the crime scene to document what happened; however, some exhibits that were used to kill him were also taken by police as evidence,’’ Kyomugisha disclosed.

In an interview with journalists on November 7, 2024, ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, confirmed the incident and revealed that Byekwaso’s body had a lot of bruises, which shows that he was assaulted before he was hanged to death using a television cable on one of the window’s burglar bars.

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Maate added that Byekwaso’s right ankle was cut off with a bloodied machete that was found at the crime scene; however, it was taken as evidence to aid in police investigations.

’’Byekwaso’s body was taken to Kisizi Hospital for postmortem examinations; however, police have started investigations into this matter,’’ he noted.

He called upon the public to provide any information on Byekwaso’s killers so that justice is served for his death.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader issues of safety and security that residents face in Rukiga district. With multiple cases of violence emerging, including other recent murders linked to personal disputes and land conflicts, there is an urgent need for enhanced community vigilance and police action through collective efforts in making sure that such tragedies and heinous acts do not go unpunished.