Police have in custody a policeman allegedly for raping 17 year old deaf, dumb and mentally ill girl.
Lamsonic Okidi, 47, took advantage of the
Akello( not her real name) who was born with the above disabilities and has never at one point left home.
Her small heaven has since then remained her father’s compound. Her little hiding place will never be the same again after Lamsonic Okidi took advantage of her disability
On September 9, Mr Lamsonic Okidi walked into Mr Okwir’s compound in Acungapenyi village, Adyerokonya Sub County, Otuke District and found Akello home alone and led Akello by the hands showed her gestures of money and decided to follow him.
Reaching his house, Mr Okidi vigorously raped her and gave her Shs 4000 after raping her.
Mildred, her mother, searched in vain and Akello returned home in the late evening in tears holding Shs 4000 in her hands. Her mother was concerned and since she is the only one who speaks her daughter’s language, inquired what the tears were about but her daughter could not speak but rather kept pointing at her genitals.
She then removed Akello’s clothes to find out what had gone wrong but to find Akello’s private parts were in bad shape.
Akello held her mother’s hand and led her to Mr Lampsonic’s home and explained what had happened.
Mildred ran to the LC1 chairperson’s home to report her daughter’s predicament. The Chairperson was equally alarmed. He immediately called Mr Simon Obong Opio, LC3 Chairperson of Adwari Sub County to report this case.
The LC1 called me, I told him not handle that case from the village level. I advised that he report to police immediately. I am happy the chairperson did his job perfectly. I received confirmations from the Officer in Charge, Otuke District that the culprit is in police custody. Opio said
When Opio spoke to Mr Lampsonic, he accepted having raped the girl and begged to be pardoned. He told him that the law will decide his fate and not him.
Opio later visited the victim’s family to inquire what really happened and also got to know the go ahead but fortunately, he found out that the OC CID had done exactly what he expected of him as he had filed the case and Lampsonic transferred to Otuke Central Police Station.
When I spoke to Okidi, he accepted that he had raped this young girl. I told him he had committed a serious crime and had to face the Law.’’ Said Ms Semmy Amuge, Female representative persons with disability Otuke District.
Semmy also said Mr Lampsonic claimed to be a disabled because he has a problem with his sight but which is not an excuse for such behavior.
Semmy asked the government to fight for their rights and also asked care takers of disabled persons to always stay close to these kinds of persons.
North Kyoga Police Spokes Person, Mr Patrick Jimmy Okema confirmed that arrest was made on receiving such a report and that Police forms were issued to both the victim and the accused for medical examination.
Refering to section 130 of the Penal Code Act, any person who knowingly or knowing a woman or a girl to be an idiot or an imbecile have lawful cornel knowledge commits a felony and is reliable for imprisonment for 14 years. We are still doing our findings in case we find this man is an HIV patient, his case may change but as of now, his file is being complied for submission to the Resident Chief State Attorney.’’ Mr Okema said.
Speaking to the victim’s brother Mr Francis Adonyo, he was angered by Lampsonic’s behavior and termed it as being selfish.
My sister is a special child; she is deaf, dumb and mentally disturbed. Only a heartless person would try and harm her. he angrily added.
Francis, Akello’s brother added that as a person who keeps law and order in the society, Lampsonic Okidi should have known better.
I call upon the higher authorities to fight on my sisters behalf as a family we are disturbed but the Law will decide what happens to Okidi. Francis broke down as he said this.
Persons with disability in Lango Sub- Region cry for help from security personnel since they are vulnerable to a lot of anti social behavior from some individuals in society.
Over 30 cases of sexual harassment against disabled person are so far recorded with nearly 6 victims monthly. Over 10 disabled persons have lost wheelchairs to theft by scrap dealers in Lira City.
