One shot dead in foiled gold heist at Kassanda mine

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One person was killed while others fled after unidentified individuals attempted to attack and rob gold from Kayonza gold mine in Kitumbi subcounty, Kassanda district, on March 17, 2026.

During the incident, the suspects attempted to access the well-guarded gold site but were blocked by armed private security guards, leading to a confrontation in which one person was shot dead.

“The guards attempted to stop the intruders, whose intention was to steal gold ore from the mine, but they fled,” Lameck Kigozi, the police spokesperson for Wamala region, said.

He added, “One of the guards discharged a bullet which caught one of the intruders in the back and died instantly as other fled.”

Kigozi identified the deceased as Ezedi Mirundi, 28, a resident of Namulanda trading centre in Kitumbi subcounty, Kassanda district.

He said police visited the scene and transported the body of the deceased to Kassanda Health Centre. They also arrested Simon Otubo, a security guard attached to Eagle Eye Security Agency, who shot and killed Mirundi.

Police warned residents living near gold mining areas to be cautious and avoid trespassing onto such sites.

“We appeal to the people in these areas not to be attempted to trespass in these mining sites, especially at awkward hours, as they are well guarded,” Kigozi said.