Natete police are currently investigating an alarming incident of attempted murder where a man wielding a panga (machete) launched a vicious attack at a maize miller’s office in Kutano Village, Natete.
The victim, identified as Sam Turyamuhaki, a 55-year-old resident of Kabaho Zone, was conducting a routine financial transaction at Bashir Greening Miller’s company on when the attack occurred.
According to Luke Owoyesigyire, the deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, Turyamuhaki was verifying a sum of eight million shillings he had received the previous evening May 14, 2024, when an employee of the milling company, Ashraf Kiza, unexpectedly entered the office wielding a machete and a hammer.
A video circulating on social media captured the ensuing altercation between the two individuals. Despite attempts to restrain the attacker, Kiza managed to escape the scene after repeatedly slashing Turyamuhaki with the panga, inflicting severe head injuries. Turyamuhaki’s life was fortunately saved, but he is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.
This incident is just one among a string of similar attacks in Kampala and its surrounding areas, where pangas have become the weapon of choice for criminals. In another recent case on April 29, 2024, a panga-wielding man critically injured four children after their mother resisted ransom demands. The authorities are still investigating that incident, which left the community deeply shocked.
The use of pangas by thugs to instill fear and carry out unlawful activities has become distressingly common. Over the past years, there have been numerous reports of panga-wielding criminals targeting innocent residents.
In a separate incident in August 2022, a gang armed with pangas attacked and robbed students in a hostel in Kampala. In Makindye, a suburb of Kampala, police intercepted a vehicle containing pangas and masks, believed to be intended for use in illegal activities such as burglaries and thefts.
The police in Natete have assured the public that the investigation into the attempted murder is being conducted with utmost seriousness and commitment. They are urging anyone with information related to the incident or any other criminal activities to come forward and cooperate with the authorities.
