Security guard involved in botched bar robbery dies

RUKIGA - A security guard has succumbed to injuries he sustained in a mob attack during a botched bar robbery in Uganda's western district of Rukiga mid-this week.

Police said two men — both security guards attached to Safetec Security Company Limited — stormed a local bar at around 10:30pm on Wednesday in Nyakanengo Cell, Rutare Ward in Muhanga Town Council.

Amid loud music, the men armed with a bow-and-arrow and a gun then ordered everyone to sit down and surrender their money.

They reportedly threatened to kill on the spot whoever tried to move a step.

But in a turn of events and a risky show of bravery, one patron is said to have leapt from his seat and wrestled down one of the attackers that was wielding the bow-and-arrow.

He was taken by surprise while pointing the arrow at the owner of the bar, Senior Mbarinawe.

“He jumped and grabbed him, and the one who had a gun took off with it," said Kigezi region Police spokesperson Elly Maate in a statement.

He fled without firing a shot, Police said.

The other people in the bar seized the opportunity and joined the brave Elias to completely subdue the hapless security guard, who was identified as 18-year-old Bosco Muganizi.

But the situation turned even worse. In no time, a mob had gathered at the scene and attacked the security guard-turned-suspected-robber.

Maate said the area local council chairman rushed to the Police and asked them to rescue the man from the mob. 

The Police reached the scene and took the suspect to Kabale Referral Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Police said they recovered the bow and arrow from the scene and that they are hunting for the second suspect, who is still large and unidentified.

At the same time, the Police are also investigating a case of murder by the mob.