Nansana — Residents of Kavule village in Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality, are reeling from shock following the brutal murder of a 24-year-old man whose body was discovered inside the small house where he slept, with residents alleging that his blood may have been drained.
The deceased has been identified as Araphat Mugerwa, a well-known resident of the area. Mugerwa, whom locals referred to as “Kasiru,” had been unable to speak since birth and was described by neighbours as quiet, harmless and reserved.
The killing is believed to have occurred during the night. Mugerwa’s body was discovered in the morning by his father, Yahaya Kafeero, who said he had left home early to work in the garden, unaware that his son was in danger.
“I went early to the garden to cultivate, but when I returned, I found my son’s body,” Kafeero said. “The door to the room where he slept was open, and the scene was very disturbing.”
Kafeero told neighbours and local leaders that he noticed what he described as an unusual absence of blood at the scene, a detail that has led to speculation within the community that the attackers may have drained it. Police have not confirmed this claim.
Residents described the murder as cruel and baffling, noting that Mugerwa had no known enemies and lived a simple life.
“We are all trying to understand how someone could murder a person who could not even speak,” said Deo Ssaazi, a resident of Kavule village. “It looks deliberate and well planned. This was not a random act.”
Some residents expressed fears that the killing could be linked to ritual practices, an allegation that has heightened anxiety in the area, particularly among families with vulnerable members. Authorities have not attributed the crime to any specific motive.
Police responded to the scene and launched investigations, deploying sniffer dogs to search nearby homes and surrounding areas. Several houses close to the crime scene were inspected, including one belonging to a man identified by residents as Wafula, where officers found his wife at the time of the search.
By press time, no arrests had been confirmed.
The Kavule Village Chairperson, Fred Bulime, condemned the killing and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
“We are shocked that someone could be killed in such a brutal manner without any clear reason,” Bulime said. “It is difficult to know exactly what happened or who was involved, but we are cooperating fully with the police.”
Police have appealed to residents to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist with ongoing investigations.
As the community mourns Mugerwa’s death, fear and unanswered questions persist, with residents calling for swift justice and increased security to prevent further violence in the area.