JUSTICE FOR OWEN MUTEERI? | I am sharing a heartbreaking story about an innocent young man who has been wrongly accused and sentenced to 17 years in prison.
Owen Muteeri, a 28-year-old university student at MSU’s School of Social Work, was working as a security guard in 2023 to pay for his studies. In December 2023, while he was on duty, armed robbers broke into the premises and stole $238,000. At the time, Owen was in the guardroom finishing his dissertation, and his security dog was with him.
When the dog suddenly became alarmed, Owen stepped outside to investigate. He was immediately confronted by armed robbers who pointed guns at him. They ordered him to silence his dog and lock it in the doghouse. They then handcuffed him with his own handcuffs and forced him to lie on the floor while they broke into offices and cut open a safe with a grinder.
The thieves not only stole $238,000, but also forced Owen to dig a hole outside the premises where they believed $5,000 was buried (it was later confirmed to be $2,700).
Despite being a victim, Owen was accused of being an accomplice. The court believed he might have helped the robbers because:
- His phone and laptop were not stolen, while the security guards next door had their phones taken.
- Some money was left at the scene. Owen reported this immediately to the caretaker and the police, which surprisingly made him a suspect instead of a witness.
The caretaker claimed he slept through the noise of the grinder, which raised further suspicion. After Owen reported the incident and the money left behind, he was arrested. He was initially remanded to January 2024, and although he was later allowed to stay at home while the case went to the High Court, he is now in prison.
Owen’s defence argued that if he was truly involved, he would not have reported the money left behind, especially without being threatened or beaten. His behaviour was consistent with someone who had nothing to hide.
Owen was a hardworking student in his final semester. He studied during the day and worked night shifts to support himself. Despite the trauma and stress, he still completed his degree and even received an award from his university for his outstanding dedication.
Owen’s family is devastated. If nothing is done, Owen will only be released at age 47, after serving 17 years for crimes he did not commit.
They are pleading for help to appeal the verdict and fight for justice. The appeal is expected to be heard in the High Court within the next 8 days, and the family urgently needs assistance to cover legal fees, as well as support for Owen’s basic needs like food and toiletries.
How you can help:
Please consider supporting Owen during this difficult time. Any contribution, for legal fees, food, or toiletries, will help restore hope and bring him closer to proving his innocence.
Let us stand together for justice and help free an innocent man.
Ecocash
0777 944 926 (Sacial Chuma)
For more info
0713 669 065
#JusticeForOwen
#InnocentUntilProvenGuilty
#FreeOwenMuteeri.
