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By Mulengera Reporters
Police are on the spot over the delayed prosecution of Edmond Mpaata, the Nakeseke district fisheries officer, and his security guard for the murder of a suspected thief at his residence in Jinja city in mid-August 2023. It is alleged that on August 13th, 2023, Mpaata and his guard detained the suspected thief for three days without providing food, eventually leading to his death after severe torture.
Subsequently, Mpaata disposed of the deceased’s body in a wooded area at Mwiri Hill in Kakira town council, Jinja district. This incident triggered public outrage and the intervention of the police, resulting in the arrest of Mpaata and his guard on August 18, 2023. A detective involved in the investigation revealed that they gathered substantial evidence from the crime scene, including bloodstains, sticks likely used in the torture, and statements from local residents.
Additionally, they retrieved CCTV footage indicating Mpaata’s involvement in moving the victim’s body. However, the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) raised concerns about the sufficiency of the evidence, leading to Mpaata’s release on police bond on August 25th, 2023, which sparked public dissatisfaction. Mpaata was re-arrested on September 4th, 2023, and has been in the cells at Jinja Central Police Station since.
Eyewitnesses, including tenants and neighbors of Mpaata, expressed concerns about their safety due to the delayed prosecution. They cited threats from the suspect and his associates, leading some to vacate their premises. The delayed legal proceedings have left them anxious, hoping for a swift resolution to their predicament.
The Kiira Regional Police Spokesperson, James Mubi, acknowledged the recommendation for Mpaata’s release by public prosecutors but highlighted the collection of fresh evidence that may allow the case to progress.
He also refuted allegations of extortion and evidence tampering by police detectives, asserting that their integrity is upheld during investigations.
Jacquelyn Okui, the DPP’s spokesperson, mentioned that a complaint was filed in the case, and the regional DPP would review it before returning it to the police through the resident state attorney’s office for further assessment.
She explained that despite the victim’s status as a homeless individual without known relatives pursuing the case, the police and DPP’s office remain committed to seeking justice in this matter. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [whatsapp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
