Apac man accused of stealing mattress, killed by mob

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Police detectives in Apac District have begun an investigation into a case where a 22-year-old man was reportedly beaten to death by a group of residents who accused him of theft.

According to Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Regional Police Spokesperson, the incident occurred in Te-Cwao Cell, Arocha Division, Apac Municipality.

The suspects are part of the group who reportedly accused Onyolo and another unidentified accomplice of stealing a mattress. Preliminary findings indicate that on 31 May 2026, the gang attacked and beat up.

22-year-old Ambrose Onyolo of Pama-Munu Cell in Oyoo Ward, accusing him of stealing a mattress.

Onyolo later succumbed to the injuries he sustained during the beating, while the whereabouts of his alleged accomplice remain unknown.

The incident was reported to the Apac Central Police Station on 1 June 2026. A team of officers led by Detective Assistant Superintendent of Police Jove Ayebazibwe visited and documented the scene, while further examination is expected to be conducted by the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO). Detectives have since interviewed witnesses and recorded statements to aid investigations.

The body was recovered and transported to Apac Main Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination. No arrests had been made by press time, although investigations remain ongoing.

Police have strongly condemned the act, urging members of the public to hand over suspects to law enforcement authorities for investigation and prosecution rather than resorting to mob justice.

“Taking the law into one's own hands is a criminal offence and undermines the rule of law,” Okema said, adding that further updates would be provided as investigations progress.