Police in Katonga and Mpigi districts have arrested an Italian national for the alleged rape of a 23-year-old maid, which occurred on September 5, 2023, at around 5 p.m.

SCP Fred Enanga Police Spokesperson, in a statement released on September 12, 2023, said an Italian identified as Patrick Forouzesh, 53-year-old, a resident of Bunamweri Village, Mpigi town council, is in custody for the alleged rape of a 23-year-old maid.

Enanga noted that the suspect met the victim at her sister’s place, who deals in chicken feed at Mpami Village, and offered her a job as a housemaid at a monthly pay of Ugx 200, 000/=.

“The victim started work the next day, but while cleaning the table, she was grabbed by the suspect, dragged into the sofa, and raped. The victim informed her sister, and on September 6, 2023, the matter was reported to the Mpigi police station, “Enanga said.

He noted that the victim was medically examined and DNA samples obtained. The suspect was arrested and examined on Police Form 24a.

According to Enanga, police continue to investigate such suspects who take advantage of female workers and sexually assault them. The police, in coordination with the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), will ensure the suspect is charged in court to help bring justice to the victim.

According to statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), out of 1,594 new rape and 7,618 defilement cases reported in 2015 and 2016, only 57% brought punishment to the perpetrator.