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IBANDA – Peter Taremwa looked pointedly at his aunt as she narrated to the court how he allegedly attacked and hacked her with a machete about two months ago.
Hellen Asiimwe, 37, told the Ibanda chief magistrate’s court that on June 16, 2023, at about 8:30pm, Taremwa came from behind and choke-held her while brandishing a panga in the right hand.
He was to, later, use it to cut her multiple times.
The resident of Vatican village, Mabonwa in Rukiri sub-county, Ibanda district was at the time of the attack attending a giveaway party of a relative.
“I had stepped out to ease myself when he came behind, choke-held with the left hand and pulled me about 40 metres into the banana plantation. He then pushed me to the ground and started cutting me,” Asiimwe told court presided over Ibanda chief magistrate Winfred Naigaga Kyobiika.
“He first cut me on the lower right jaw and I lost three teeth from the impact. He then cut me on the forehead once and three times on the right shoulder and then on the battocks,” Asiimwe said as tears rolled down her cheeks while showing the court the big scars on her shoulder and face.
She told the court that Isa Nyesiga, who was passing by, rescued and helped her to get a motorbike that took her to a clinic in Mabonwa trading centre for treatment.
The clinic administered first aid and the victim was referred to Uganda Martyrs Hospital Ibanda, Kagongo for further management.
According to her, she was admitted for four days at the hospital, paying over sh800,000 in medical bills.
Asiimwe was testifying as first prosecution witness in the case.
While in hospital, she was informed that the 24-year-old suspect was apprehended by the victims’ relatives the following morning at Ruhoko stage on the outskirts of Ibanda town as he tried to escape.
The suspect was then handed over to Ibanda Central Police Station and, later charged with attempted murder.
Hearing of prosecution witnesses continues on August 28 when the case comes up for further hearing.
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