By Our Reporter
The Territorial police at Rwizi Region in Mbarara has suspended four of its officers, who caused a public nuisance act, after they barged into the wedding reception at Kakyika Technical Institute and embarrassed the bride by arresting her.
On August 20, at around 8PM, four officers; Sgt Richard Ngabirano, DC Adio Caroline, DC Muganyizi Atugonza and DC Ayesiga Morris attached to Mbarara police station arrested Christine Natuhwere on sanctioned charges of theft of Shs 8M. They drove her to the police station in Mbarara, where she was detained.
Police facts indicate that on that on July 6, a one Mirembe Henry, the former employer of the arrested bride who was working for him as a bank agent, for Centenary Bank, at BNK building, high street in Mbarara city, opened a case of theft of Shs 8M against her.
The matter was investigated and the case file submitted to the Resident State Attorney, Mbarara on the July 18, who advised the parties to seek a civil remedy. However, on August 5, the file was called by the Regional DPP, following a petition from the complainant. He re-perused the casefile and sanctioned the charges of the theft against the suspect on the August 11. The casefile was returned to police on August 19.
According to Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga, the four officers in collusion with the complainant on August 20 caused a public nuisance act.
“They barged into the wedding reception at Kakyika Technical Institute, in Mbarara North Division at 8PM and arrested the bride. They placed her in the complainant’s vehicle and drove her to the police, where she was detained. The arrest was disgraceful in front of the groom, family, friends, guests and in-laws. It turned out that what was supposed to be the happiest day of her life ended in a night mare.” He revealed
He adds that the action of the officers was reprehensible and based on poor judgement.
“The Regional Police Commander, Rwizi, upon learning about the incident, instructed for the immediate release of the bride, and extended apologies to the bride, the groom, family, in-laws, friends, guests and the church which wedded them. In addition, he caused for the suspension of the 4 officers.
They were further charged with discreditable conduct, which upon conviction, warrants a dismissal from the force.
So far, one suspect, Sgt. Richard Ngabirano is arrested and in custody, while the other 3 officers are still in hiding, but efforts are in place to have them arrested and charged accordingly.” Enanga said
