Only suspect’s statement holding us, police say

What you need to know:

  • Detectives could not rely on the CCTV footage of the supermarket for evidence since the flowers and trees had blocked the cameras’ view to the crime scene.

Investigations into the murder of Arnold Ainebyona Mugisha by shooting at Quality Shopping Village Namugongo, are nearly complete with an interview of the suspect the only remaining thing before the case file is submitted to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Ainebyona Mugisha was allegedly shot dead by Moses Ongoria, a private guard with Saracen Security firm, following a disagreement after the deceased’s colleagues abandoned a trolley that rolled and damaged another person’s car.

Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesman Patrick Onyango said Ongoria’s health has improved, but they cannot record his statement until the doctors have declared him to be of sound mind, an important element if a criminal case is to be sustained in court.

“The suspect said he is still feeling pain all over his body after he was beaten by a mob on Tuesday. He is still at Mulago referral hospital undergoing treatment, but we shall later shift him to our medical facility where he will be detained as he recovers,” Mr Onyango said.

He said Mr Babu Awaze, a colleague of the suspect, who was allegedly knocked by the deceased’s car, recorded his statement and was released, but police intend to use him as a witness in the case.

“There are so many other witnesses and eyewitnesses that we have recorded statements from, but the police standing orders on witness protection don’t allow us to name them until the case reaches court,” Mr Onyango said.

Detectives could not rely on the CCTV footage of the supermarket for evidence since the flowers and trees had blocked the cameras’ view to the crime scene.

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