Residents of Emityana in Zigoti Town Council have taken the law into their own hands, burning to death a young man suspected of stealing goats. The incident occurred after the suspect was caught and accused of being part of a gang involved in rampant livestock theft in the area. The suspect, who was reportedly riding a Bajaj motorcycle with registration number UEP 237G, was attacked by an angry mob, and his motorcycle was also set ablaze.
The suspect’s body was later found dumped by the roadside along the Kampala-Emityana route near Kyengeza Village. Eight goats, believed to have been stolen, were also recovered. The goats were found with their mouths tied and their legs bound, indicating they had been prepared for transportation. Additionally, a sack containing a hoe was discovered near the scene, further implicating the suspect in the theft.
Local residents expressed frustration over the increasing cases of livestock theft in the area, particularly during the night. They accused the thieves of being unemployed youth who resort to stealing to make a living. Some residents also claimed that their homes had been broken into, with thieves making off with household items.
The community has called on local leaders and security forces to intervene and address the rising crime rates in the area. They urged authorities to take decisive action to curb the thefts and restore safety in the community.
Following the incident, police arrived at the scene and transported the suspect’s body to Mityana Hospital for a post-mortem examination. The recovered goats were handed over to local authorities as investigations into the matter continue.
This tragic incident highlights the growing tensions in rural communities over crime and the lack of effective law enforcement. While mob justice is illegal and condemned, it underscores the desperation of residents who feel abandoned by the formal justice system.
*By [Your News Outlet]*
