A 28-year-old woman accused of stealing a motor vehicle belonging to Kigezi Diocese has been remanded to Ndorwa government prison.
Shamim Batariro appeared before Kabale Chief Magistrate’s court to answer charges of stealing a grey Suzuki vehicle, registration number UAT 478N worth Shs 17.7 million on July 12 during the burial of the late Apollo Nyegamahe, also known as Aponye, in Rukiga district.
The vehicle had transported clerics from Kikungiri Archdeacon, led by Archdeacon Venerable Canon Amos Tweteise to the burial service in Kitaburaza village, Muhanga town council.
According to reports, Batariro made a stopover in Rubare town before continuing her journey at night. However, her luck ran out when she was intercepted by police at the Nyeihanga town council checkpoint around 10:00 pm. A stolen car report had been filed at the Muhanga police station, leading to notifications being sent to other police stations along the Kabale-Mbarara highway.
Batariro was initially taken to Rwampara police station in Rwampara district and later transferred to Rukiga, where the case originated. During her arrest, Batariro was found in possession of nine vehicle master keys, five sticks of marijuana, Shs 500,000 in cash, and 2 trays of eggs.
The chief magistrate, Derrick Byamugisha, scheduled August 10 as the hearing date and remanded Batariro to Ndorwa government prison. However, Batariro protested, demanding to be released on bail, claiming she is HIV positive.
She also accused security officers of stealing her money and belongings, including Shs 500,000, a mobile phone, and a charger. She further alleged that she had been tortured by police officers. Batariro claimed that she did not know the vehicle was stolen as it was given to her by a man named Sula Sekasi from Kampala, instructing her to drive it to the diocese headquarters.
However, she did not disclose the specific diocese headquarters. She insisted on being released and given her mobile phone and money to help in the arrest of Sekasi, emphasizing that she is involved in the egg trade. Despite her protests, Byamugisha declined to release her due to the absence of sureties. He, however, ordered the police and the state attorney to investigate Batariro’s accusations and present their findings during the next hearing date.
Do you want to share a story, comment or opinion regarding this story or others, Email us at newsdayuganda@gmail.com Tel/WhatsApp........0726054858
Discussion about this post