Police officer, market vendor injured in market scuffle

SCUFFLE                        POLICE

A Police officer identified, Joram Emuku, attached to Kisoro Police Station, has been rushed to Kisoro Hospital in critical condition after an angry market vendor hit him with a stone.

Vendors were protesting the Municipality's decision to relocate them and their trucks, from the Gitimba market to the Rusiza market, which is in Bigina village, Hospital ward, in Southern Division, Kisoro Municipality. The incident took place on Thursday evening at around 5:30 pm.

The Kigezi regional Police spokesperson, Elly Maate, told New Vision, the Police which was under the command of the officer in charge of Kisoro Police Station, ASP Stephen Ogwang, had deployed at the market after receiving a letter dated March 18, 2020, from the Kisoro town clerk, one Peter Matsiko, requesting them to do so.

"Traders protested the move by blocking the main road and pelting stones at the deployed officers. In the process, Sgt. Joram Emuku, was critically hit by a stone on his right arm and ribs and became unconscious," said Police.

The Police added that the situation intensified, and it prompted one of their Police constable one, William Oriekot, who was armed with AK 47 rifle to discharge two bullets which accidentally Aloyse Habyarimana, 25, a resident of Gisiza village Buhoozi Parish Busanza sub-county in Kisoro on the neck.

Another victim one Francis Mwesigire, 33, a driver, and a resident of Kayenje village, Kayenje parish, Rweikiniro sub-county in Ntungamo District, was also hit by a stray bullet on the right thigh.

The Police have said all the victims were later rushed to Mutolere Hospital in Kisoro District, for treatment as investigations into the matter continue.