Machete-wielding assailant kills one, injures five in Mubende
Suspected assailant ground after being rescued from an angry mob. Photo | Barbara Nalweyiso
What you need to know:
- Barely 500 meters from the initial crime scene, the suspect encountered another victim whom he mercilessly attacked in her garden
One person has been killed, and five others have been left nursing injuries following a brutal machete attack that unfolded on Wednesday evening in Kazo E Village, Kasana Parish, Kibalinga Subcounty, Mubende District.
The deceased, identified as 38-year-old Expedito Katugunda, met his tragic end when he was ambushed along the roadside by a machete-wielding assailant, Kiiza Robert, 48, who struck him fatally on the head before fleeing the scene.
What initially appeared to be an isolated incident soon escalated into a series of violent attacks, as Kiiza, in a continued spree of terror, targeted other unsuspecting individuals. Barely 500 meters from the initial crime scene, the suspect encountered Beatrice Tugumisiriza, 55, whom he mercilessly attacked in her garden, leaving her critically injured.
Despite being swiftly rushed to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, her condition necessitated an urgent transfer to Mulago for advanced medical care.
Acting on reports of the horrifying incident, police, led by the Mubende District Police Commander, promptly arrived at the scene, meticulously documenting evidence while launching an extensive search for the fugitive assailant. Throughout the night, security personnel combed the area, determined to apprehend the suspect.
According to Wamala Regional Police Spokesperson, Mr Rachel Kawala, Kiiza was eventually located on Thursday morning at around 9:00AM, severely injured and on the brink of death, having fallen victim to an enraged mob. However, police intervened, rescuing him and ensuring his immediate transportation to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital for medical attention as investigations into the shocking crime progressed.
"Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect went on a rampage, indiscriminately attacking individuals in different villages. By this morning, five victims had been confirmed injured. Among them, Beatrice Tugumisiriza, a resident of Kazo E, and a man identified only as Yusuf from Ntungamo Village in Kibalinga Subcounty, had sustained severe injuries necessitating their referral to Mulago for specialized treatment. Meanwhile, three others—Eridard Abasa, 30, and Ariab Kabaziguluka, 32, both residents of Kisalaba Village, as well as Aaron Musinguzi of Kasana in Kibalinga Subcounty—are currently undergoing treatment at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital," Kawala stated.
Although the motive behind the attack remains unknown, police have assured the public of a thorough investigation aimed at unearthing the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s violent actions.
"We have successfully taken the suspect into custody and are providing him with medical care. We strongly urge community members to refrain from mob justice and instead allow us to carry out comprehensive investigations to ensure justice is served," Kawala emphasised.
