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BUIKWE - Buikwe district, Njeru division Police are searching for their colleague accused of shooting and killing one of their own while on duty.

The tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, April 13, 2024, night at the Yogi Steel Factory in Malindi cell, Wakisi division, Njeru municipality in Buikwe district.

The deceased and the suspect were stationed at the Bujjagali Police Unit. The deceased has been identified as PC Richard Mugobera, 45, with identification number 64776. The suspect, identified as Cpl Selestine Okot, aged 50, also bears identification number 41875.

What happened?

Witnesses at the crime scene, who chose not to disclose their identities, provided insight into the security arrangements at the factory.

They explained that both the Police and private security company Priority One were responsible for safeguarding the premises.

On the evening of the incident, Police officers commenced their duty at approximately 7:00pm. At that time, they observed daytime factory employees completing their shifts, while others assigned to night duties were entering the facility.

According to the witnesses, a Priority One security personnel named Jasper Okello had detained a worker suspected of possessing a gauze roll. The suspect was undergoing interrogation in one of the factory rooms.

When Okot noticed this interrogation taking place, he began to harass Okello. Tensions escalated between Okot and Okello, prompting Mugobera to intervene and calm the situation.

Witnesses recounted that when Mugobera intervened in the altercation, Okot allegedly approached the table where he had placed his firearm and attempted to draw it to shoot Okello.

In the ensuing struggle, Okot allegedly shot Mugobera in the left thigh and fled from the factory premises with his weapon in hand.

Mugobera was swiftly transported to Jinja Hospital for medical treatment by his fellow officers and the Yogi Steel managers. However, tragically, he succumbed to his injuries before receiving medical attention.

Okoth took off with his gun No UGPol 565910105-38982 and the deceased’s gun No UGPol 565817044-32062 was recovered at the crime scene and is Police custody.  

Case recorded

A statement issued by the Police regarding the incident declared that Okot is wanted for murder by shooting and the case's file number is Njeru CRB240/2024.