The Kanyanya Territorial Police is currently detaining Mr. John Kato Ssenfuma, a 40-year-old teacher at a school in Mityana, residing in Mukono District. Mr. Ssenfuma was apprehended on allegations of attempting to defile a 15-year-old girl, a student at the same school where he teaches.
ASP Luke Owoyesigyire, Deputy PRO Kampala Metropolitan Police said that the arrest follows a complaint lodged by Ms. Sheilah, 26 years old, a resident of Kyebando Erisa Zone in Kawempe Division, Kampala District, who is the guardian of the 15-year-old student.
“Ms. Sheilah reported that the family became aware of Mr. Ssemfuma’s communication with the juvenile through WhatsApp, prompting his invitation to their premises. On January 13, 2024, Mr. Ssemfuma traveled to the designated venue and was subsequently apprehended upon arrival. An examination by a police surgeon confirmed the well-being of the victim, as the intended activity did not transpire,” Owoyesigyire revealed.
The Kanyanya Police issued a statement, indicating that the case file has been submitted to the office of the Resident State Attorney. The police have received guidance on the next steps, and the file is pending resubmission for sanctioning. The suspect will face charges as determined by the prosecution.
This development adds a legal dimension to the incident, highlighting the gravity of the allegations against Mr. Ssenfuma. The case will now proceed through the legal system, with further details expected to be provided in due course.
Social media posters have put a lot of criticism on the arrest of Senfuma saying that there was no offense but the parents are to blame.
“As a student of law, I am seeing loopholes in the case and the suspect may win it. Going by your statement, there is connivance by parents and inducing the alleged crime. The fact that the suspect was arrested immediately he entered; you can’t determine his actions before he starts,” one Nesta Larry posted on X.
A one lawyer, Ferdinandius posted, “So attempted defilement suffices by mere possession of condoms and text messages which means that “flirting” is an offense. Secondly, defilement requires age: she must be below 18: the facts aren’t clear on that: further, for attempted defilement to occur, he must have done all that is necessary and is only prevented from doing the actual act. Otherwise possession of condoms and text messages is mere preparation. See how judges interpret attempted defilement.”
The detectives found two boxes of unused ‘Kiss’ condoms and a Shs1,000 in teacher John Senfuma’s pockets after he had sneaked into her female student’s home for sex before being caught by the girl’s parents.
