11 suspects surrender after violent weekend in Hula

Eleven suspects surrendered to police yesterday afternoon following a violent weekend that saw two police vehicles and two houses destroyed by fire.

The unrest stemmed from the alleged murder of a young girl by her boyfriend on New Year’s Eve.

In retaliation, her grieving relatives reportedly set fire to two houses in the suspect’s village.

This sparked a counter-attack by ten local youths, who torched two police vehicles. Of those who surrendered, ten men face charges over the vehicle fires.

Only one suspect has come forward regarding the house arsons. He is the deceased girl’s brother, who is also a police officer.

Several other suspects remain at large.

Acting Assistant Commissioner and NCD-Central Commander Benjamin Turi, together with Provincial Police Commander Joseph Salle, met with both parties during the surrender.

They commended community leaders for facilitating the process but issued a stern warning against further intimidation.

To ensure impartiality, Commander Turi divided the caseload where Central Police will investigate the arson attacks, and NCD Police will handle the murder investigation.

Turi said Hula highway must remain safe and accessible, urging the deceased’s family to avoid jungle justice and allow the courts to take their course.

“There will be no threats and intimidation between all parties now that police are investigating this case, including the alleged murder of the young woman,” he said.

The suspect in the alleged murder has been asked to surrender voluntarily or face forceful reprimand by community leaders.

All suspects have been charged with arson.

Meanwhile, Commander Turi expressed disappointment with the NCD Criminal Investigation Division [CID] team, who took two unmarked police vehicles to Hula without authorization. Both vehicles were destroyed during the unrest