Man arrested for killing wife, family members in Somalia shooting

MOGADISHU, Somalia - A man believed to have killed his embattled wife and some family members were arrested and detained for further interrogation, police said on Saturday, and could face death penalty should he be found guilty of committing the crime.

Deputy Police Commander Zakia Hussein confirmed the arrest of Aweys Hussein Abdi within the Mudug region after going missing for several days despite a spirited man-hunt, she said, adding that he will spend the entire weekend in police cells as authorities gather evidence.

Hussein did not give further details about the case but insisted that the police will prosecute the matter to "its logical conclusion". He had escaped from the scene of the incident before his dramatic arrest, she added in the statement.

“The police in Mudug region have successfully arrested Aweys Osman Abdi, suspect wanted in connection with a gruesome mass murder against his in-laws, first time, I escaped from the scene but was managed to arrest,” she said.

Abdi is believed to have killed his ex-wife, then, disguised as a woman he proceeded to shoot family members in Garasbaley locality. Police believe Abdi used an AK-47 rifle in the attack but it is yet to be recovered.

While it's not clear why he unleashed, cases of domestic violence are in a steady rise in Somalia, a country whose justice system is almost dysfunctional. Women and children have borne the brunt of the violence which is meted on them by rogue husbands.

Parliament is yet to enact laws that can support the prosecution of such cases despite persistent pressure from members of the international community and other partners. The prosecution of the victim will kick off once the police gather enough evidence.

GAROWE ONLINE