EDITOR
Tension is high in Kanungu District after a suspected sheep thief was lynched by an irate mob in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
According to a police report filed by the LCIII Chairperson of Kirima Subcounty, Kamahanga, the incident occurred at around 3:00 am in Kyomugote Cell, when three sheep were reportedly stolen from the home of Eliya Twongirwe, a resident of nearby Kajumo Cell.
Upon learning of the theft, community members organized a search and managed to apprehend one suspect, identified as Turyatunga Obed, who was allegedly found in possession of the stolen animals. In a tragic turn of events, the suspect was beaten to death by a group of angry villagers.
Police from the Kigezi Region, led by a homicide team, visited the scene and have since transported the body to Kanungu Health Centre IV for a post-mortem examination. Exhibits recovered at the scene include sticks believed to have been used in the assault, along with the three sheep, which have been taken in as evidence.
No arrests have been made so far, and investigations are ongoing.
Speaking on the incident, ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Regional Police Spokesperson, condemned the act of mob justice, warning the public against taking the law into their own hands.
“While theft is a serious crime, taking someone’s life outside the legal framework is equally criminal. We urge community members to always report suspects to the police and allow due process to take its course,” ASP Maate said.
The police continue to urge residents to cooperate with investigations to bring those responsible for the mob action to justice.
