BAHIR DAR, Ethiopia — Yamral Alebel Alemu, the primary suspect sought in connection with the rape and murder of a young woman named Mahlet Maru, has been apprehended in Mekelle. The Amhara Region Police Commission confirmed the arrest on Wednesday, ending a multi-regional manhunt for the suspect who had been in hiding since the crime was reported in Bahir Dar.
The suspect, identified as a member of the Riot Control Police unit, allegedly fled the area immediately following the incident. Authorities tracked his movements until he was successfully located and detained through a coordinated effort by security forces in the Tigray regional capital.
The Amhara Region Police Commission issued a statement expressing gratitude to the Tigray Region Police Commission for their “outstanding cooperation” during the investigation. The collaboration between the two regional forces was cited as the decisive factor in successfully capturing the fugitive.
Public attention on the case has been intense, following social media reports alleging that the suspect forcibly took the victim from her workplace at a local hotel before the assault occurred. The details of the case have sparked widespread calls for accountability and a swift judicial response.
While the arrest has been finalized, police officials stated that the case remains under active investigation to finalize all evidentiary details. The suspect is expected to be transferred to face formal legal proceedings, where the specific charges related to the violence will be presented in court.