Father arrested for allegedly killing son

POLICE in Geita region have arrested Elias Bakumye (32), a resident of Chikobe village, Butundwe Ward in Geita District, on suspicion of killing his son and burying him in a remote area.

The Geita Regional Police Commander, ACP Safia Jongo, confirmed the incident yesterday, noting that the deceased child who had disabilities was five years old.

ACP Jongo said the incident was reported by innocent people who found the body of the deceased on April 12, 2023 in the morning.

She said that after the reports, the investigation team was sent to the village and after their arrival, they found the body of the child in the wild as it was reported.

“Further investigation was conducted and finally the child’s father was arrested, whereby he was interrogated and confessed to have killed the child because he has failed to take care of him. He said before the incident Bakumye had divorced his wife, thus he was responsible for taking care of the child.

“The man stayed with his son for a month and saw that he could not manage caring  him, so he decided to take the child back to his mother but the parents of his wife refused to take the child …they told him that he is the biological father thus he should take care of the child,” he explained.

According to the Police Force Bakumywe admitted that he could not manage to raise the child that is why he decided to kill him and bury his body in the wild.

Commander Jongo said that the body was found already been attacked by animals and appeared to have bruises on different parts.

She confirmed that the suspect has been arrested and the legal procedures are on progress.

“Let me take this opportunity to plead with the community to immediately report to the force when they see signs of such incidents,” he said.

He pledged to ensure justice is done in all cases which will involve child cruelty.