By Our Reporter
NATIONAL
Police has issued a statement explaining circumstances and event that occurred prior to the bizarre incident where a one Suubi Balidawa set ablaze his own car.
According to SP Kananura Michael, the Public Relations Officer Directorate of Traffic & Road Safety, Balidawa had knocked a 58 year old Nakabaliki Naome on 7th May 2024 at 9:18 am at Muvule along Gayaza Road opposite Riham Depot, and thereafter went into hiding.
Kananura says that after knocking the old woman, Balidawa attempted to flee but was compelled by boda-boda riders to take the injured pedestrian to the hospital, which he agreed to do.
However, on the way to the hospital, he transferred the victim from his vehicle to a hired motorcycle and parked his vehicle elsewhere to avoid being recognized at the hospital.
Kananura adds that Balidawa shared his contact with the victim’s son but gave a false number plate for his vehicle in an attempt to evade justice. Later that day, the victim’s son went to Kanyanya Police Station to check if Balidawa had reported the incident, which he had not.
“A case was registered under TSD 12/7/5/2024 (TAR 55/2024) by Kamuhanda Edward, the victim’s son. The traffic officer at the counter contacted Balidawa, who claimed he was taking his sick child to Gulu for treatment,” says Kananura.
He says the officer instructed Balidawa to hand over the vehicle to the nearest police station, but he did not comply and then on 9th May 2024, he reported the crash at Elegu Police Station, after the 24-hour mandatory period had passed.
He was advised to return to Kanyanya Police Station to follow the proper investigation procedures, which he did not do. On 14th May, Kamuhanda returned to Kanyanya Police Station for an update.
The OC Traffic at Kanyanya received intelligence from Edward that Balidawa had reported to Elegu Police Station. The OC Traffic Kanyanya then called the OC at Elegu to confirm this information.
On 17th May 2024, at about 7:00 am, Suubi Balidawa reported to Kanyanya Police Station following the guidance of the OC Traffic Elegu. Upon presenting himself before the OC Traffic Kanyanya, he initially denied any involvement in the crash but was subsequently detained.
The following day, while recording a statement, Balidawa confessed to providing a false number plate and accepted liability for the crash.
On 18th May, he was granted police bond and given a police form (PF 34) to produce his driving license, certificate of insurance, and registration book within five days for inspection.
Kananura says while police at Kanyanya were waiting for Balidawa to provide the requirements, on 21st May 2024, a video surfaced on social media showing Balidawa burning the vehicle.
He was arrested at Elegu Police Station to assist with further investigations.
