By Rebecca Mutesi
MUKONO – Police in Mukono are holding a crime preventer for allegedly raping a 18-year old house maid in Mukono.
The suspect identified as Karim Kiryowa, 29, a resident of Bugujju Village in Mukono district according to close sources had tried on numerous occasions to profess his love to the victim but in vain.
He, however, on Sunday took advantage of the absense of victim’s boss, and allegedly raped her.
Following a tip-off, Police swung into action and arrested the suspect who was later identified village Crime Preventer.
Kiryowa confessed to the crime during Interrogation.
The complainant was referred to the hospital for a medical examination and medical reports confirmed signs of penetration.
The police sent swabs for DNA test to further examinations to confirm the rape.
Kiryowa is currently detained in custody at Mukono police station vise SD REF 40/08/07/202018.
The Kampala Metropolitan Policespokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire urged the general public to continue working hand in hand with the police to reduce rape cases.
Established in 2013, crime preventers were sanctioned by the former IGP Gen Kale Kayihura as part of Uganda police ‘s community policing program.
In July 2018, Police decried crime preventers’ involvement in extortion and dubious deals following public outcry contemplating disbanding the group
“The crime preventers are expected to detect and report crime to police for action. However, says some of the crime preventers are involved in dubious deals and extortion,” said Asan Kasingye, Political Commissar in Uganda Police Force
He said the Crime Preventers leave their homes and park their motorcycles at the nearest Police Station before they storm the neighboring villages to engage in crime, a thing he says can’t be tolerated by the Police.
