Police in Kagadi District have arrested six workers of Rock Country Bar and Lodge in connection with the death of a 30-year-old local DJ who reportedly died after being restrained at the entertainment venue.
The deceased, identified as Mark Murungi, a resident of Kyatika Cell in Kagadi Town Council, reportedly died in the early hours of Sunday following an altercation at the bar.
The suspects, who include the bar cashier, a security guard, waitresses and a brother to the bar owner’s son, are being held at Kagadi Central Police Station as investigations continue.
Julius Allan Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police spokesperson, confirmed the arrests, saying preliminary investigations indicate that Mark was involved in a confrontation with some of the bar workers at about 4am.
Hakiza said Mark had allegedly been suspected of stealing from the bar before the confrontation, during which he was reportedly restrained.
Police have since halted operations at Rock Country Bar and Lodge, owned by Patrick Zikanshagiza, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Mark’s death.
Mark’s relatives, Joseph Mariseli and Jane Nyangoma, are demanding justice and a thorough investigation into his death.
The relatives said they received a phone call from Romio, a son of the bar owner who was reportedly at the premises, informing them that Mark had been involved in a fight after being suspected of stealing from the bar.
They said that when they went to check on him, they found Mark tied up and being taken to hospital for medical attention. According to the relatives, Mark died before he could receive treatment.
Police said Mark’s body was taken to the Kagadi General Hospital mortuary pending further investigations and any necessary postmortem examination to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
The six suspects remain in custody to assist with investigations, and police had not announced any charges against them by press time. Attempts to obtain a comment from the management of Rock Country Bar and Lodge were unsuccessful. The investigation is ongoing-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
