Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Uganda Monitor
Published on 2024-04-04 14:34:22
The police in Kayunga District are currently investigating two cases of mob attacks that resulted in the deaths of three suspected thieves, one of whom was reportedly affiliated with a private security company.
According to Ms Beatrice Ajwang, the officer in-charge of the criminal investigations department in Kayunga District, the first incident took place in Namabugga village in Kitimbwa sub-county. Two young men were lynched by a mob after being accused of stealing a wheelbarrow and two iron sheets. The duo were tied up with ropes by residents at night after allegedly breaking into homes and stealing household items. The stolen wheelbarrow was found at the crime scene, but the identities of the deceased individuals were not immediately available.
In the second attack, a man in his late 20s, believed to be associated with a private security company, was lynched by a mob in Nakaliro village in Kayunga Town. The man reportedly broke into a locked house in the village around 10 am, mistakenly thinking the occupants were out. Local leaders stated that the man was apprehended by residents in rice gardens nearby and was subsequently beaten and hacked to death.
The incident occurred close to the Kayunga police station, but the police were reportedly delayed in responding due to all patrol vehicles being occupied in the field. The deceased individual’s connection to a private security group was mentioned by a security source, although this information could not be independently verified.
The community’s swift and violent response to suspected theft highlights the prevalence of mob justice in certain areas, where residents take the law into their own hands. The lack of trust in law enforcement or the judicial system may contribute to such vigilantism, leading to tragic outcomes like the deaths of the suspected thieves in these cases.
It is essential for law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough investigations into these incidents and take measures to prevent further acts of mob violence. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve trust and communication between the police and local communities to ensure that justice is served through legal channels rather than through vigilantism. The loss of life in these mob attacks underscores the need for a more effective and humane approach to addressing criminal activities and maintaining public safety in Kayunga District and beyond.
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