Omoro elderly woman torture suspect arrested

VIOLENCE | WOMEN 

KAMPALA - The young man who appeared in a video that went viral on social media as he caned an elderly woman in Omoro district has been arrested.

The suspect identified as Brain Okello, 30, was caught on a video caning and torturing the elderly victim identified as Lucy Mego Anek, 82.

Jimmy Okema, the Aswa regional spokesperson, said the territorial police in Omoro district has since arrested Okello and he is in custody.

"He was arrested today (April 14, 2020) at around 2:00 am while hiding in a deserted grass-thatched house 200meters away from his actual house," Okema said in a statement.

Preliminary information indicates that the shocking video that went viral on social media showed how the victim was viciously caned and tortured on April 12, 2020, from her home in Amilobo village, Patuda parish, Ongako sub-county, Omoro district.

The disgusting video enlisted widespread public uproar and criticism of Okello's actions, with several members of the public appealing to police to have the suspect arrested and charged.

Okema said a case file of torture and attempted murder has been registered under SD 11/13/04/2020 at Ongako Police station.

The police publicist observed that the victim was rushed to Gulu Regional Referral hospital for treatment and medical examination, adding that classification of the injuries were not yet ready. But Okema said a relevant statement has been obtained from the elderly lady.

"We would like to thank the social media fraternity for sharing the video. We further reassure the family of the victim and wider community members who were disturbed by the shocking video that we shall fast track the matter to court," Okema concluded.