Two unidentified suspected bag snatchers narrowly survived mob lynching after they were intercepted by residents while allegedly attempting to steal a woman’s handbag in Kayunga Town.
The suspects, who were reportedly riding on a numberless Bajaj motorcycle, were apprehended by an angry crowd and beaten before police officers intervened and rescued them overnight.
According to preliminary reports, a knife and a toy pistol were recovered from a bag found in their possession, raising suspicion among residents that the items may have been used to intimidate victims during robberies.
Police later rushed the injured suspects, who were said to be in critical condition, to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
The motorcycle they were using was also impounded at Kayunga Town Council Police Station as investigations continue.
Ssezibwa Regional Police Spokesperson SP Hellen Butoto said police have launched investigations to establish the identities of the suspects and examine the circumstances surrounding the attempted mob justice.
Police have since urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and instead hand over suspects to security authorities for proper investigation and prosecution.
Incidents of bag snatching, petty theft and street robberies have reportedly become increasingly common in parts of Kayunga, contributing to rising public frustration and sporadic cases of mob justice.
