Ibanda: Witness pins woman for damaging bar roof, windows
Ibanda chief magistrate’s court has charged a woman who reportedly threw stones at a bar, damaging its roof and windows after prosecution witness placed her at the crime scene.
Caroline Tumwekwase, of Kitontooma, Bisheshe division in Ibanda Municipality, is accused of malicious damage to property belonging to Wilbroad Katsigazi of the same area.
While testifying before his highness Aloysius Natwijuka, the Chief magistrate, Isaac Hakiza, a witness, said about 8pm on January 19th, 2023, he saw Tumwekwase and a one Yona throwing stones at Katsigazi’s building which houses the bar.
He said the incident lasted over five minutes, explaining that the two would throw stones at the building at intervals, then dash into the neighbour’s house.
Hakiza said he was able to identify the suspect because a security light at the neighbour’s house provided enough light for him to recognize her and the colleague.
Katsigazi (the victim) had told court that the suspect who is a breastfeeding mother believed that her husband was drinking at the same bar.
He added that the suspect’s act left his commercial house with a damaged roof and broken windows, adding that he found some of the stones inside the bar the following morning.
Natwijuka adjourned the case until April 12th when hearing of the prosecution witnesses will continue.
Anyone found guilty for the crime of malicious damage to property faces up to five years in jail on conviction. The crime contravenes section 335 of the Penal code Act.
