Not Another Chance: Ex-Inmate Lynched Over Theft

Ronald Atim, 25, had only been out of prison for three weeks after completing a seven-month sentence for theft when his life was cut short.

A former inmate has been denied another chance at life after possible prison time, with a mob allegedly lynching him over theft in Anywar village, Lwal parish, Atongtidi Sub-County, Kwania District.

Ronald Atim, 25, had only been out of prison for three weeks after completing a seven-month sentence for theft when his life was cut short.

Authorities say he was beaten to death by a crowd after being accused of stealing a bicycle, a mattress, and a metallic box containing money from a local savings group.

The altercation began when Atim reportedly attacked his family with a machete, also threatening several passersby.

As tensions escalated, the crowd grew, and what followed was a brutal mob justice episode that ended with Atim’s collapse and death at the scene.

Isaac Ocen, a clan chief, recounted the events, stating that by the time police arrived, the mob had already dispersed, and those responsible had fled.

North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, condemned the act, stressing that such vigilantism undermines the justice system.

He urged anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue.

Atim’s tragic end serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing former prisoners trying to reintegrate into society.

Okema also urged individuals with criminal records to take advantage of government reintegration programs, like the Parish Development Model and the Youth Livelihood Program, as alternatives to falling back into crime.

Mob justice remains a persistent issue in Lango Sub-region, with communities often taking the law into their own hands rather than allowing the justice system to handle criminal cases.