By Mukembo Wilfred
The Kampala Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of a security guard, Darius Opanya, and his accomplice, Samuel Abazo, in connection to the disturbing incident of aggravated torture captured in a viral video. The victim, identified as Isaac Kitooke, 18, endured relentless flogging while confined between iron bars, the reason for which remains unknown.
The harrowing video, which circulated widely last week, depicted Opanya and Abazo subjecting Kitooke to relentless lashings for approximately five minutes as he pleaded for mercy. The incident, according to police reports, transpired earlier this year in February at a location somewhere in Nakivubo, with the exact ownership of the building site remaining undisclosed.
Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, elucidated on the events leading to the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday. “It is alleged that on February 3, the two suspects engaged in a confrontation with Kitooke and proceeded to assault him using a long stick while confining him within iron bars atop a building they were guarding along Nakivubo in Kampala, which was under construction.”
Following the circulation of the disturbing video on social media, prompting widespread public outrage, the police launched an investigation and swiftly apprehended the perpetrators. Kitooke, the victim, has undergone a medical evaluation as part of the ongoing investigation.
Contrary to misconceptions circulating on social media, Owoyesigyire clarified that the individual seen inflicting torture in the video is not a police officer but a local security guard, identified as Opanya, whom the victim refers to as “Commander Ivan” in the footage. Abazo, the other suspect, is believed to have recorded the video.
In response to the misuse of uniforms resembling police attire, the authorities issued stern warnings, cautioning local security guards and bouncers against such practices. Owoyesigyire emphasized, “We urge local security guards and bouncers to refrain from wearing attire resembling police uniforms, as this may lead to prosecution upon arrest.”
The arrest of Opanya and Abazo underscores the commitment of law enforcement to uphold justice and protect citizens from acts of violence and brutality.
