Police hunt suspects in Mbale gang rape, robbery

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Police in Mbale city are on the hunt for three men suspected of gang-raping a 23-year-old woman and robbing her and her male cousin of money and personal belongings.

The incident occurred on January 17, 2025, at around 7:30 pm near the Golf Course field in Mbale city. According to reports, the victim and her cousin, Fungo Andrew, 30, were passing by the area when they encountered three men standing near the bushes.

The suspects initially bypassed the pair before turning back to attack them. Fungo was hit on the head with sticks, while one of the attackers grabbed him by the neck.

He managed to escape after being robbed of sh20,000, two phones, a pair of shoes, and a jacket. The attackers then turned on his cousin, beating and dragging her into a nearby bush, where they allegedly raped her.

Police responded promptly after Fungo reported the incident to Mbale Central Police Station and found the victim injured and bruised along the way. She reported being robbed of sh5,000 and a smartphone.

Detectives and scene-of-crime officers have visited the crime scene, and statements have been recorded from the victims. Investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend the culprits.

In Kamuli municipality, Police have arrested a 28-year-old suspected drug addict for allegedly raping a 90-year-old woman in her home.

The suspect, identified as Antonio Kisule Ngobi, is a resident of Nankulyaku ward, Northern Division, Kamuli municipality, according to Police.

Michael Kasadha, the regional spokesperson for Busoga North, confirmed the arrest, saying, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred on the night of January 12, 2025, when the suspect knocked on the victim’s door.

“Living alone, the elderly woman opened the door, only for the suspect to force his way in and allegedly assault her,” said Kasadha.

The following morning, the victim narrated the ordeal to neighbours who had come to check on her. The neighbours informed her relative, who took her to Kamuli General Hospital for medical attention before reporting the matter to the Police, who have since launched a probe.

Last month, Police in Amudat District launched a probe into the brutal murder of 50-year-old Paulina Chemukai, who was gang-raped and killed by unknown assailants.

Chemukai, a resident of Kongoror Village in Amudat Town Council, was found dead near Kanyangaren River in Kakaresi Village on the morning of Monday, December 2, 2024.