NEWS- The Police in Kakumiro District have initiated investigations into the unfortunate death of a 26-year-old Primary school teacher whose fete emanated from electrocution while trapping grasshoppers.
The incident happened in the early hours of Friday morning when the victim, identified as James Kirungi, who worked as a teacher at Blessed Adolf Kolping Kindergarten (BAKEF) met his death.
The incident according to eyewitnesses occurred at a trapping site located in Kakumiro town’s East Cell.
Witnesses confided to this reporter that Kirungi came into contact with a live wire that was improperly connected to a high voltage line, resulting in his immediate death.
Kakumiro District Police Commander (DPC), SP Morris Niyonzima, confirmed the poor power connection at the trapping site as the cause of the tragic accident adding that they have apprehended Mr. Tadeo Asaba, the owner of the site where the grasshoppers were being trapped, who is also the vice chairperson of Kakumiro town council.
SP Niyonzima urged grasshopper trappers to register with the town council administration and security for their own safety. He also stated that the police would collaborate with Umeme, the local power distribution company, to disconnect all illegally connected grasshopper trapping sites in the town.
The headteacher of BAKEF, Mr. Asumpto Kahiira, expressed his sorrow over the incident. He explained that Kirungi had ventured out to harvest grasshoppers at around 3 am on Friday. Upon receiving information from concerned neighbors, the school staff rushed to the scene and discovered Kirungi lying lifeless.
Despite their efforts to transport him to the hospital, it was too late to save his life.
Relatives at the scene revealed that Kirungi had gone to the site to purchase grasshoppers to send to his parents in Kagadi District.
The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of adhering to proper safety measures. Authorities are urging individuals involved in grasshopper trapping activities to ensure their sites are safely connected to power sources and to cooperate with relevant authorities to prevent similar accidents in the future.
