A 35-year-old man suspected to be part of a gang of boda boda thieves has been lynched by residents in Ibanda district.
The incident occurred on Tuesday evening at around 6:00 PM when two suspected thugs allegedly attempted to steal a Spiro electronic motorbike. Eyewitnesses say the suspects were intercepted by riders and residents as they tried to flee with the motorcycle.
“One of them managed to escape, but his colleague was not lucky. People caught him and started beating him up before they set him on fire,” said one eyewitness who preferred anonymity for fear of reprisal.
According to locals, the suspected thief was burnt to death after being doused with petrol by angry boda boda riders who accused him of being part of a criminal gang that has been terrorising riders in the area.
Confirming the incident, Ibanda Assistant Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Richard Banjo condemned the act of mob justice and urged the public to always hand over suspects to the police.“
We strongly condemn this act of taking the law into your own hands. No one has the right to end another person’s life, no matter the crime. People should always report such suspects to the police for proper handling,” Banjo said.
However, Banjo also cautioned criminal gangs targeting boda boda riders, warning that the community is on high alert.“
Let this be a warning to those who think they can continue stealing from hardworking people. The community is vigilant, and the law will catch up with you,” he added.
Cases of boda boda theft have become increasingly common in Ibanda district, with several incidents of mob justice reported in recent months. Some suspects have been killed, while others have sustained serious injuries at the hands of residents.