Kasese police arrest suspect with 30kg Ivory Haul

Officers at Kasese Central Police have arrested Baluku Jockim on charges of illegal possession of wildlife species. This arrest follows the discovery of two pieces of ivory, weighing approximately 30 kilograms and measuring 2.3 feet and 2.0 feet respectively, at his residence in Kisagazi cells, Nyamwamba division, Kasese district.

The suspect was taken into custody on October 7, 2023, at 09:30 hours. The arrest was made after SP Bagenda Wilfred, the DPC of Kasese district, received information from the OC Kizungu police post regarding a person suspected of possessing ivory in his room. In response, a team of both uniformed and undercover police officers promptly arrived at the scene, led by DPC Bagenda.

The crime scene was secured and preserved by officers from Kizungu police post. D/SGT Bwabale Bonny conducted a thorough search of the suspect’s premises, and this process was professionally examined and documented by AIP Niwahereza Deus, the Regional Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO).

Nelson Tumushime the PRO Kasese says that during the search, several items, including shorts, T-shirts, and jackets, were confiscated for DNA analysis and comparison purposes. Additionally, officers recovered various documents, such as a NIRA registration and a police letter addressed “to whom it may concern” bearing the name of Baluku Jockim.

Tumushime adds that suspected stolen property, specifically a 12-inch flat screen, was also successfully recovered during the operation. The authorities are now actively investigating the case, and Baluku will face legal proceedings for the illegal possession of wildlife species and any other associated charges that may arise during the ongoing investigation.