The Directorate of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in coordination with Kiruhura Territorial Police has rescued a 17-year-old school girl and arrested five suspects linked to alleged kidnap, trafficking with intent to forcefully marry her off, and aggravated defilement.
The victim was recovered and is being managed by a team of experts from the Gender Unit at CID Headquarters.
The five suspects who were arrested include Kanzira Napolen, the alleged defiler; Kwetesa John (his father); Arinaitwe Sam (his uncle); Katera John; and Karuza Janet, where both the girl and suspect were hiding.
According to SCP Enanga Fred, the police spokesperson, the facts gathered indicate that the parents of the 17-year-old girl victim, who was in her senior four vacation, reported her alleged disappearance on February 10, 2023, which was later discovered to be abduction, at Nkungu Police Station in Kazo, Kiruhura District. She was victimised as she prepared to take A-levels in furtherance of her studies.
“Upon investigations, it was established that the victim was abducted by Kanzira Napoleon for marriage in a conspiracy with his father, identified as Kwetesa John. She was forced into a motor vehicle that was being driven by one Arinaitwe Sam, the uncle of the suspect, who transported them up to the home of Katera John, where both the girl (victim) and the prime suspect were hidden. That very night, the girl victim was sexually assaulted by the suspect, who, upon arrest, admitted that he was aware that he was dealing with an underage girl,” Enanga stated.
The police would like to applaud the parents of the girl victim and everyone who worked with police to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
The UPF remains committed to investigating and arresting individuals who sexually exploit children.