Police re-arrests Lwakataka over smuggling

Jan 25, 2017

Police arrested Lwakataka following a high-speed chase of the truck that was carrying immature fish

 

Police has arrested rally driver Ponsiano Lwakataka over his alleged involvement in the smuggling of immature fish.

He was picked by Police detectives attached to the Special Investigations Division (SID) in Kireka, a city suburb.

On Thursday last week, Police arrested Lwakataka following a high-speed chase of the truck that was carrying immature fish.

He was released moments later by Sheema District Police Commander, Innocent Mubangizi, and had since gone into hiding, according to Police spokesperson Andrew Felix Kaweesi.

Upon Lwakataka's release, the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura, reacted by ordering Mubangizi's arrest and detention over misuse of powers.

Kayihura accused Mubangizi of criminal negligence, aiding and abating crime. By press time, Mubangizi was still detained at Mbarara Police Station pending investigations.

On Tuesday, Kaweesi said there is evidence that Mubangizi misused his powers to release Lwakataka, who had been apprehended on grounds of smuggling immature fish.

"Lwakataka remains a prime suspect and charged with smuggling of immature fish and threatening violence with a firearm," Kaweesi said.

In a press statement on Monday evening, Kaweesi said Lwakataka's private firearm certificate had also been revoked.

"Police assures the public that it shall continue to emphasise professional standards and co-operate and support all relevant agencies in the enforcement of law and order."

In 2014, Lwakataka was tried in the High Court of Masaka on several counts of murder. However, he was later set free after prosecution failed to adduce evidence pinning him over the charges.

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