Police in Butaleja District have launched an investigation into the brutal killing of a suspected motorcycle thief by a mob in Jabusiba Village, Nakwasi Parish, Butaleja Sub-county.
The deceased has been identified as Richard Mwima , alias Kajubi, a resident of Nakwasi Cell in Butaleja District.
According to preliminary police findings, Richard Mwima allegedly stole a red Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, registration number UFU 799H, from David Odoi , a resident of Tororo District.
Upon discovering the theft, Odoi promptly reported the matter to the Central Police Station (CPS) in Tororo and informed Levie Keplimo , who immediately began tracking the stolen motorcycle.
Tracking efforts led Keplimo to Leresi Village in Butaleja District, where he spotted the deceased riding the stolen motorcycle.
Keplimo then contacted the Chairperson of the Leresi Boda Boda stage, who mobilized fellow riders to help trace both the suspect and the motorcycle.
The search led them to a banana plantation near the deceased's home, where they found the stolen motorcycle hidden under dry bean husks.
The suspect was subsequently apprehended. Keplimo then rode the recovered motorcycle to Butaleja CPS and officially handed it over to the police.
However, shortly after, reports emerged that a mob had lynched the suspect.
According to police, preliminary investigations indicate that the deceased was a well-known criminal linked to multiple aggravated robbery and murder cases in the region.
He had reportedly been evading arrest for some time and was being sought by law enforcement for prosecution.
Police officers, including the District CID Officer (D/CIDO), Scene of Crime Officers (D/SOCO), and a homicide team, visited the crime scene to gather evidence.
The body of the deceased was later taken to Mbale City Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
No arrests have been made so far. However, police have condemned the act of mob justice, urging the public to always hand over suspected criminals to lawful authorities.
"We strongly condemn taking the law into one’s hands. Justice should be left to the authorities, such as the police, to ensure that due process is followed," said Moses Mugwe, the Regional Police Spokesperson for Bukedi South.