A few weeks after Ponsiano Lwakataka was acquitted by Masaka High Court Judge Eudes Katirima of murder charges, fresh ones have been opened up against the prominent rally driver and businessman.
Lwakataka was last week netted by police and Uganda Revenue Authority offices while smuggling premature fish to the DRC.
He was arrested in Sheema district for allegedly engaging himself in the smuggling of immature fish but was later released by Sheema DPC Innocent Mubangizi which led to the intervention of the Inspector General of Police General Kale Kayihura.
Before his apprehension, the rally driver is said to have resisted arrest and used his driving skills to try to escape. He also is being accused of threatening violence on URA enforcement staff, on top of illegal smuggling of goods.
Kayihura ordered for investigations and the arrest of Mubangizi as well as Lwakataka which was done.
Police spokesperson Andrew Kaweesi has confirmed that arrest of both the DPC and Lwakataka and revealed that both are in detention.
“Lwakataka is in our custody and faces two charges of threatening violence and dealing in smuggled goods,” said the police mouthpiece.
Kaweesi added that since the charges against Lwakataka are clear, he is expected to be produced in court by tomorrow Friday.
Lwakataka’s problems started in the early 2014 when he was arrested in relation to the same matter of possession of immature fish which he was taking to Congo. During his arrest at that time he is said to have shot at Police officers.
On August 1 2014 Lwakataka was granted bail by Kalisizo grade one magistrate Suzan Awidi on charges of threatening violence, obstructing police officers and assault.
Later on in September 2015, Lwakataka was rearrested and remanded to Masaka central prison over new charges on murder.
On 23rd December 2016 Masaka High court acquitted him after the prosecution
failed to produce enough evidence pinning him.