Police in Bushenyi district are searching for a 23-year-old man for allegedly murdering a 96-year-old woman after she refused to pray for him.
The suspect identified as Richard Byaruhanga and the deceased as, Anyesi Teberebwa, both residents of Kayojo cell, Ruharo ward, central division, Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality.
SCP Fred Enanaga, the police spokesperson, said during the press conference at headquarters in Naguru on October 16, 2023, that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on October 14, 2023, when the suspect returned home from Kizinda and requested that his family pray for him, citing a severe headache, and that his family members complied with his request.
“Byaruhanga, later on the same day, while most family members were away, forcefully broke into the house, attacked the elderly woman in her bedroom, and physically assaulted her while demanding that she pray for him,” Enanaga said.
He said that during the altercation, Byaruhanga pushed Anyesi Teberebwa, causing her to strike her head on the floor, resulting in her immediate death.
Enanga further explained that an alarm was raised by one of the witnesses, Kyobutungi Ada and Longino Karyaisa, who attempted to apprehend the suspect but were met with resistance. And managed to escape.
The crime scene was examined by a team of detectives who documented and preserved evidence for further investigation.
Statements were taken from witnesses, and the deceased’s body was transported to KIU Hospital Ishaka Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.