By Flavia Ajok

A Uganda People’s Defence Force- UPDF officer attached to China Railway NO.7 Construction Company which is tarmacking the Masindi-Biiso road has been arrested for shooting to death a 28-Year-Old man.

It is alleged that the UPDF officer shot dead the man only identified as Otim at around 2am on Thursday morning for allegedly stealing spare parts from a sino truck belonging to China Railway No.7 which was parked in Kinogozi trading center.

Eye witnesses say the UPDF officer first shot in the air to scare away the thief, but Otim instead confronted the armed officer with an iron bar which prompted him to shoot at him in the leg.

Addressing the media at the scene, the OC CID Masindi has confirmed the matter saying the suspect was shot in the leg after finding him vandalizing the truck. He adds that the suspect was injured in the leg, and bleed profusely. The suspect died while he was being rushed to Masindi hospital due to over bleeding.

Speaking to Julius Allan Hakiza the Albertine region police spokesperson says the UPDF officer saw the deceased with sharp objects including a panga and knife and he was ready to attack the officer thus the officer had no option but to shoot him in the leg.

Hakiza adds that investigations into the matter are underway.