Police in Lira City East Division is currently on the hunt for a suspected thief who escaped an angry mob, while his colleague was lynched.
The deceased suspect has been identified as Obua Kizito, a resident of Agali, Lira City East Division. The incident occurred on April 2nd when the two suspects traveled to Alebtong District and allegedly stole two goats at around 1:30 AM.
According to the North Kyoga Police spokesperson, Jimmy Patrict Okema said the suspects were intercepted by a group of people in Abang trading center while carrying the suspected stolen goats.
“…the mob managed to arrest Obua Kizito, who was later lynched, while his colleague managed to escape. One goat was recovered and exhibited, and the deceased’s body has been conveyed to Lira Regional Referral Hospital for a postmortem.” Said Okema.
The police have urged the community not to take the law into their own hands but rather arrest hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
Okema says Article 22 of the Ugandan constitution stipulates the protection of the right to life, emphasizing that no one has the power to take the life of another unless brought before a competent court of law.
In another incident on the same day, three suspected thieves were beaten by a group of people at Ober Entebbe in Lira City West Division. The group went further to burn their huts following continuous complaints against them and the recovery of a suspected stolen motorcycle of registration number UFJ 671 B, Bajaj and red in color.
The police responded very quickly and rescued the suspects, rushing them to Lira Regional Referral Hospital, where they are all in critical condition.
Similarly, in Agwettangwet, another suspect was beaten badly and taken to Lira Regional Hospital. Due to their condition, the police was unable to obtain their details.
The police urge the public to remain calm and allow the law to take its course in such matters.
