Teacher in trouble of alleged killing of student over phone theft

Kagera. The police in Kagera Region are holding Adrian Tinchwa (36), a primary school teacher at Igurwa, on suspicion of killing Phares Buberwa, a Form Three student at the same school.

In a statement released on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the Kagera Regional Police Commander Blasius Chatanda said the teacher, a resident of Kanoni Ward in Karagwe District, allegedly assaulted the deceased by punching him in the forehead and striking him with an iron rod on his legs and arms after accusing him of stealing his phone.

"The incident occurred on September 18, 2024, at 2:00 PM in Kanoni Village, Kituntu Division, Karagwe District. It is alleged that earlier that day, at around 9:00 AM, Adrian Tinchwa returned to his home to find the lock on his door broken.

As he attempted to enter, he encountered Phares Buberwa trying to flee from the house," said Commander Chatanda.

The teacher allegedly apprehended Buberwa and began to assault him, inflicting serious injuries.

He later took the student to his parents' home before they rushed him to Rwambaizi Dispensary for medical treatment, where he died while receiving care.

Commander Chatanda said the cause of the incident was the teacher taking the law into his own hands and administering excessive punishment on the student, which led to him being taken to a health center for treatment.

"The Kagera Regional Police are continuing their investigation, and the suspect will be taken to court once all procedures are completed," Commander Chatanda said.

He urged citizens to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead follow legal procedures.

"The Kagera Regional Police will not hesitate to take action against anyone who fails to adhere to the law, as no one is above the law," he added.