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Kampala, (UG):- The Territorial Police in Kampala Metropolitan Tuesday confirmed the arrest of a security guard and his accomplice over aggravated torture of a man who appeared in a viral video being flogged over yet-to-be-known reasons.
The video, which circulated widely last week saw two suspects identified as Darius Opanya the guard and Samuel Abazo, his friend confine the victim, identified as Isaac Kitooke, 18, tight-trapped in between multiple iron bars and lash him repeatedly for about 5 minutes as he appealed for mercy.
The incident according to police occurred early this year in February somewhere in Nakivubo, with the owner of the building site not mentioned.
“It is alleged that on February 3, the two suspects had a misunderstanding with Kitooke and assaulted him using a long stick while confining him with iron bars atop a building they were guarding along Nakivubo in Kampala, which was under construction,” the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said in a Tuesday police statement.
“The video began circulating on social media last week, prompting the police to open a general inquiry file. After identifying the suspects, the police traced and apprehended them. The victim has been issued a Police Form 3 for a medical check-up,” he added.
While one of the suspects was dressed in attire similar to the counter-terrorism police uniform, Owoyesigyire emphasized he was not a policeman.
“We would like to clarify that, contrary to some reports on social media, the individual seen torturing the victim in the video is not a police officer. He is a local guard (Opanya), whom the victim refers to as “Commander Ivan” in the video,” he said.
“The other suspect, Azabo, is believed to have recorded the video,” he added.
Police also issued tough warnings against the use of uniforms similar to their outfit, barring bouncers and local guards from using them.
“We urge local security guards and bouncers to refrain from wearing attire resembling police uniforms, as this may lead to prosecution upon arrest,” Owoyesigyire concluded.