Police in Kanyum Sub County, Kumi District, are under scrutiny following the death of a 37-year-old man, Peter Okoche, while in custody.
Okoche was arrested on Sunday for allegedly stealing five goats from a resident of Okeito village. According to John Baptist Asingye, the LCIII Chairperson of Kanyum Sub County, a police dog tracked the suspect to his home, but he was not found there.
Police later apprehended him at a nearby center and detained him at Kanyum Police Station.
Asingye stated that he saw Okoche in good health on Monday, along with other detainees. However, on Wednesday morning, police informed him that Okoche had died in custody. The police claimed Okoche suffered a fatal injury after allegedly hitting his head against the cell ceiling during the night.
A postmortem conducted in Mbale revealed a severe head injury that caused internal bleeding, leading to his death. No other injuries were found on his body.
Asingye expressed doubt about the police’s explanation, citing inconsistencies in their account and the lack of clarity regarding the other detainees present. He called for an independent investigation to uncover the truth and deliver justice.
Damalie Nachuha, the Regional Police Commander for East Kyoga, confirmed that an investigation into Okoche’s death is ongoing.
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