NEWS– The territorial police in Rukiga have arrested five suspects to help in investigations in the alleged case of malicious damage of a banana plantation.
ASP Elly Maate revealed that the incident occurred in the wee hours of 18th October 2024 at Nyakitabire cell, Rwenyangye Parish, Kamwezi sub county in Rukiga district.
Maate identified the suspects as Lawrence Aruho 45 years a resident of Nyakitabire cell Rwenyangye Parish Kamwezi sub county, Promise Namanya 37 years a resident of Nyabubare cell in Muhanga Town council, Baker Tindimwebwa 38 years a resident of Nyakitabire cell, Rwenyangye Parish Kamwezi sub county, Hilary Ndabwine 38 years a resident of Muhanga Town Council and Laban Tumuranze 38 years a resident of Nyabubare cell in Rwenyangye Parish Kamwezi sub county all in Rukiga district.
It is alleged that in the morning of 19th October 2024 a group of unknown persons descended on the banana plantation of Madam Mary Kihembo Kibahigire and they managed to slash 146 plants unnoticed.
At around 7:30 am when Kibahigire’s workers were patrolling, they saw that damage and they immediately informed her and in turn she also alerted the area police of Kamwezi police station.
The police from Kamwezi responded to the scene and later a team from Rukiga CPS joined them and document the scene and statements from the workers of the same farm were recorded.
ASP Maate stressed that there is a court going case over this land between Madam Mary Kibahigire and the community of Nyakitabire each accusing another for stealing their land which has been going on since 2020.
The police continue monitoring these groups and advising them to desist from acts of lawlessness as they patiently wait for the court ruling.
A community engagement meeting between the community and the district security committee has been scheduled on Monday 21st October 2024 at around 11:00 am to address these issues as inquiries are underway.
The case of malicious damage has been recorded at Kamwezi police station vide registration number SD 06/19/10/2024.