By Emmanuel Okol
KATAKWI
Police in Katakwi have mounted a search for Assistant Paster, Charles Ochola of Pentecostal Abundant Ministry (PAM), a resident of Kide village, Abela parish, in Getom Sub County, Katakwi district, for allegedly strangling his wife to death and trying to bury her.
The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Betty Apule. She has left 6 children, four girls and two boys.
The deceased was taken to Katakwi general hospital mortuary for post-mortem but later on Sunday the family managed to pick the body and she was laid to rest in her home on Monday 25-3-2024.
Apule’s body was retrieved after her children notified neighbours that Ochola beat up their mother in the room on Friday night and buried her then fled. The concerned residents alerted the police and after the arrival of Katakwi police officers, they started the search for Apule’s body which they discovered buried over 120meters away from their matrimonial home.
It is reported that the couple has been engaged in a misunderstanding over infidelity-related claims, which is suspected to have sparked off their fight.
Norah Christine Ikwap, a relative of the deceased, says that the couple has been engaged in episodes of domestic violence throughout their marital life. This prompted family members to intervene seeking reconciliation, however, their fights continued to thrive.
Charles Emukokin, clan chairman of Ikwarah in Getom in an interview with our reporter said it’s the first time such an incident has happened in his clan.
He added that, the family and clan has lost over 18 animals and 4 million shilling in order to pay back.
Meanwhile, David Eilor Kadogo, chairperson LC3 Getom Sub County has asked men to desist from such acts if they want to build good families.
However, Hon Geoffrey Omolo, the LCV Katakwi district advised married couples to devise means of living harmoniously rather than opting for domestic fights, which are life-threatening and can result in death.
Meanwhile, Kyoga East police spokesperson ASP Ageca Oscar Gregg, says that preliminary findings indicate that Ochola killed Apule by use of an axe before fleeing into hiding.
He adds that efforts are underway to hunt for Ochola and bring him to book.
