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The Police in Chanika in Kisoro district were Wednesday still hunting a couple for allegedly subjecting a 15-year-old boy to strong caning that led to his death after catching him using their home pit latrine. 

The Police have opened a case of murder by assault against Amos Niyonzima and his wife Mickline Nyirangorore for the death of Gilbert Niyiduha, 15, a resident of Kanyamicucu village, Kirimbiro in Chanika Town Council along the Uganda-DR Congo border in Kisoro district.

It is alleged that on May 4, 2024, at around 12:00 pm, the deceased allegedly sneaked into Niyonzima's home to ease himself using his pit latrine. He was however spotted by the wife, Nyirangorore, who informed Niyonzima, who then mobilised young men who locked him inside and later grabbed him.

They brought him before the homeowner who allegedly subjected him to 10 strokes.

However, the deceased pleaded for forgiveness in vain and after the punishment, he appeared weakened and a decision was made to rush him to Claresenga Health Centre III. Residents tipped his mother who rushed to the scene and together with some residents, rushed the boy to the health facility where he was pronounced dead.

According to Elly Maate, the Kigezi region police spokesperson, the local leaders notified the police at Chanika who visited the scene of crime and investigators recorded statements from the relevant witnesses.

Maate said the body was taken to Kisoro Hospital mortuary for a postmortem and inquiries were still at hand. He said efforts to trace the suspects and apprehend them were still ongoing.

The case has been recorded as Chanika CRB 005/2024.