Kampala Metropolitan Police apprehended two private security guards, Darius Opanya and Samuel Azabo, for allegedly torturing a young man. The incident, captured on video, sparked outrage on social media.
According to police investigations, the assault occurred on February 3rd, 2024. Opanya and Azabo are accused of mistreating 18-year-old Isaac Kitooke at a construction site in Nakivubo, Kampala. The video, which recently surfaced online, depicted Kitooke being beaten with a stick and confined with metal bars on the building's rooftop.
Prompted by the viral video, police launched an investigation, leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects at the Old Kampala police station. They are currently facing charges of aggravated torture.
Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire clarified misinformation circulating online. The individual seen torturing Kitooke is not a police officer, as initially reported. "He is a local guard named Darius Opanya, referred to as 'Commander Ivan' by the victim in the video," Owoyesigyire explained. He further identified Samuel Azabo as the suspect believed to have filmed the assault.
Police reports indicate that both Opanya and Azabo have confessed to the act and are now facing legal repercussions.
The incident serves as a reminder to private security personnel to refrain from wearing clothing resembling police uniforms. Owoyesigyire emphasized that such attire can lead to legal consequences upon arrest.