Police in Kabale district were Monday still holding a 78-year-old man who allegedly acted as if he had been possessed by demons when he defiled his 13-year-old granddaughter. 

Police say Edward Katarikawe, a resident of Kagona village in Kavu parish, Maziba sub county, allegedly waylaid the victim and dragged her to the nearby banana plantation and forcibly defiled her.

The shocking revelation was reported by a resident who allegedly caught him red-handed, but he fled into the bush, only to later emerge pretending nothing had happened.

Kigezi region Police spokesperson Elly Maate said the incident allegedly happened on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at about 8:00am. A file case of aggravated defilement was opened at Kabale Central Police Station under CRB 217/2023. The suspect was later arrested. 

According to the Police, the mother sent the victim to pick beans from the neighbourhood and since it was daytime, she did not anticipate she would find any trouble and moreover from her real father. 

The shocked and shamed daughter was furious on learning about the incident and immediately walked with her daughter to the nearby Maziba Police post where she reported her father. She made a statement and a hunt was mounted, which led to the arrest of Katarikawe. 

The Police said inquiries were still ongoing, but that upon completion, the suspect would be produced before court. 

The incident, according to sources, left many residents in shock.