Ntungamo, Uganda | Police in Ntungamo District have arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal murder of Naekeree Kedress, a resident of Butare Ward, Kauhunga Sub-county.
The breakthrough came after a police sniffer dog, Yudah, picked up the scent of the perpetrators and led officers to the home of one of the prime suspects.
Naekeree Kedress was reportedly staying with her grandson when she was attacked.
According to preliminary police reports, the grandson told authorities that two unidentified men forcefully entered their residence, strangled the elderly woman, and later hanged her body in front of her house in an apparent attempt to disguise the murder as suicide.
Police were called to the scene, where they deployed K9 unit dog Yudah.
The dog tracked the scent for approximately one kilometre before stopping at the home of Mercy, the daughter-in-law of the deceased.
Mercy was immediately taken into custody for questioning.
During interrogation, Mercy reportedly confessed to having knowledge of the crime and named three other individuals involved in the act.
Two of the named suspects have since been apprehended, while the third remains at large. A manhunt is currently underway to ensure his arrest.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to establish the full motive behind the killing and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Police have commended the effectiveness of the K9 unit in aiding the investigation and reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for the deceased and her family.
The suspects remain in custody at Ntungamo Central Police Station as files are being compiled to have them arraigned in court.