RUKIGA – A suspect has been lynched by an angry mob in Western Uganda over accusations of stealing a pig. The deceased has been identified as Justus Turyatemba, a 33-year-old resident of Kibare village in Sindi ward, Mparo town council in Rukiga district.
According to the Rukiga District Councillor for Rwamucucu Sub-County Eddy Mugisha, the incident happened on Tuesday, August 13, 2019, at around 9:00 am.
Mr Mugisha says that the furious mob accused the deceased of stealing their animals.
He says that by the time the deceased was lynched, he was caught with two pigs in a sack, when he was asked to explain where he got them from, he resisted which forced the locals to pounce on him before setting him ablaze.
“Luck went out of his hand when he was nabbed ready handed with two pigs and when he was asked to give details on their particulars he rejected which forced the mob to beat him severely,” Mugisha said.
They have for a long time accused the suspect of stealing their animals for a long time until today when they found him with the animals in Rwampazi,” Mr Mugisha added.
Mr Mugisha noted that
“Turyatemba was later saved by police who rushed him to Mparo Health Centre IV where he died on arrival.”
The Rukiga district police commander, Aggrey Okumu says that they have started investigations into the matter as well as looking for those who participated in the mob justice so that they are arrested and charged accordingly.
Elly Maate condemned the act of mob justice and has cautioned the public to always rush to relevant offices for help in case they have disagreements or any cases instead of resorting to mob justice.
