Two Egyptians Sentenced to 22 Years for Colleague's Murder in Soroti

Muhamed Nabil Mohammed Ali Shokr and Fahim Abdlhalim Abbas Badawy, both Egyptian nationals, have been convicted and sentenced to 22 years imprisonment by the High Court in Soroti. The pair admitted to the brutal murder of their colleague, Mahmoud Ahmed Zinhom Ibrahim Selim, a businessman dealing in kitchenware.

Court proceedings revealed that the incident occurred in February 2024. Shokr and Badawy, along with another associate identified as Shank, allegedly visited the victim’s residence. While the victim was away, Shank reportedly let them into the house upon receiving a call from Shokr. Upon Zinhom’s return, a confrontation ensued, during which Badawy is said to have struck Zinhom with an iron bar, leading to his death.

Evidence presented indicated that Shokr and Badawy then wrapped Zinhom’s body and instructed Shank to assist them in transporting it, claiming they were taking him to the hospital. Instead, they drove to Awoja bridge, where they disposed of the body in the river under the cover of darkness, while threatening Shank with a knife.

Following a report by concerned neighbours, police investigations led to the arrest of Shank, who cooperated with authorities and helped recover Zinhom’s body nine days later. Shank’s testimony became crucial evidence against Shokr and Badawy. He was later charged as an accessory after the fact and discharged after his cooperation, having spent time on remand.

Shokr and Badawy eventually pleaded guilty, seeking leniency from the court. The prosecution sought a 25-year sentence, citing the grave nature of the offence and attempts to conceal the crime. The defence lawyer pleaded for mercy, highlighting their guilty pleas and time already spent in custody.

Justice Boniface Wamala, acknowledging the gravity of the crime, sentenced each of them to 22 years. Considering the time already served on remand, they will each serve approximately 19 years, seven months, and two days. Another Egyptian national, Mohamood Ahmed, was granted bail due to insufficient evidence against him, with his case adjourned.