Three Kabale men netted over cattle theft
THREE men have been arrested in Kabale in connection with the rampant cattle thefts in the district. Police identified the suspects as Benon Tukahirwa, 37, of Mukwo village, Rubanda sub-county and Richard Muhwezi, 40, of Kazigezige village, Kitumba sub-c
By Chris Kiwawulo and Carol Natukunda
THREE men have been arrested in Kabale in connection with the rampant cattle thefts in the district. Police identified the suspects as Benon Tukahirwa, 37, of Mukwo village, Rubanda sub-county and Richard Muhwezi, 40, of Kazigezige village, Kitumba sub-county. The third person was only identified as Kavana, a milk transporter in Kabale.
Tukahirwa was a herdsman at a farm near Butare on Kabale-Katuna road while Muhwezi, aka Seya, is a cattle broker. The three are suspected to be part of a racket of cattle thieves terrorising the district. Police say the thieves sell the cattle to Rwanda.
The case was recorded at Kabale Police station after the arrests carried out on different dates last week. Kabale Police Chief Odingu Onzi said investigations into the matter were still going on, adding that the suspects were due to be taken to court.
Kabale residents have appealed to the courts of law to ensure that the suspects are given a deterrent sentence. “When thieves are arrested and released, the affected people are provoked into mob justice,†commented a local leader.
Sources in Kabale said two of the suspects; Tukahirwa and Muhwezi have since been charged with theft of cattle and remanded to Ndorwa prison until August 6.
Kavana was held for two days and released after recording a statement at the Police station.
THREE men have been arrested in Kabale in connection with the rampant cattle thefts in the district. Police identified the suspects as Benon Tukahirwa, 37, of Mukwo village, Rubanda sub-county and Richard Muhwezi, 40, of Kazigezige village, Kitumba sub-county. The third person was only identified as Kavana, a milk transporter in Kabale.
Tukahirwa was a herdsman at a farm near Butare on Kabale-Katuna road while Muhwezi, aka Seya, is a cattle broker. The three are suspected to be part of a racket of cattle thieves terrorising the district. Police say the thieves sell the cattle to Rwanda.
The case was recorded at Kabale Police station after the arrests carried out on different dates last week. Kabale Police Chief Odingu Onzi said investigations into the matter were still going on, adding that the suspects were due to be taken to court.
Kabale residents have appealed to the courts of law to ensure that the suspects are given a deterrent sentence. “When thieves are arrested and released, the affected people are provoked into mob justice,†commented a local leader.
Sources in Kabale said two of the suspects; Tukahirwa and Muhwezi have since been charged with theft of cattle and remanded to Ndorwa prison until August 6.
Kavana was held for two days and released after recording a statement at the Police station.