Elderly man kills his children, then commits suicide

CRIME

KIBAALE - A 70-year-old man in Kibaale district has committed suicide after hacking to death his two children.

Before taking his life, Erikanjiro Behangiza had also assaulted his wife, local Police said.

David Otabong, the Kibaale district Police commander, said Behangiza, a resident of Kitonya village in Bubango sub-county, reportedly fatally struck his children, aged between 5 and 12, using an axe.

His 20-year-old wife Jennifer Kyaligonza also came under attack and had her arms cut off in the brutal domestic episode.

Otabong said the children were rushed to Mubende Regional Referral Hospital, but they died upon arrival at the health facility. Kyaligonza is nursing severe wounds at Kibaale Health Centre IV.

"I have been informed by the LC1 chairperson, Alinda Malidard, that Behangiza was a drug addict and that he had a misunderstanding with his wife, which to him committing the heinous act," Otabong said.

Kyaligonza told Police her husband demanded he be served a meal of matooke (bananas), which was not available at the time. Furious, he reportedly attacked her with a machete and axe.

"My husband has been battering me whenever he returns home drunk. I reported the matter to his relatives and Local Council officials, who reconciled us. I don't know why he has this time decided to act this way," she said.

Meanwhile, Police in Kakumiro district are investigating the circumstances under which a 34-year-old woman was murdered and her body found lying Tuesday morning.

Hassan Mugerwa, the Kakumiro district Police commander, identified the deceased as Irene Mukasanga, a resident of Kanyenye village, Kitaihuka parish.

"We have one suspect in custody in connection with the murder. We shall take him to court as soon as we complete investigations," he said.