Mob raids Rakai Police, one killed
ONE person was killed by a stray bullet as residents of three villages in Rakai district attacked a police post in an attempt to lynch a man who had sought asylum at the post.
By Ali Mambule
ONE person was killed by a stray bullet as residents of three villages in Rakai district attacked a police post in an attempt to lynch a man who had sought asylum at the post.
Rakai District Police Commander Betongeza Abraham said Bukenya was killed as he fought a Police Constable at Mayanja Police post in Kakuuto sub-county.
Bukenya had allegedly led a mob from Simba, Samba and Kalirawo villages to the Police post where Pascal Kawesi and his son had taken refuge.
The villagers had destroyed Kawesi’s plantation, burnt his house and seized his animals, which resulted into eight residents being arrested and charged with malicious damage and theft.
Betongeza said Bukenya and about 150 residents wanted to take revenge on Kawesi’s family on the grounds that his son, Bruno Kasibante, had killed Justine Nakyese who the family believed was a witch.
Reports said Constable Matiba tried to prevent the mob from breaking into the post and shot several rounds in the air but Bukenya attacked him and tried to grab his gun.
“In the process, Bukenya was shot by a stray bullet in the forehead and died minutes after reaching Rakai Hospital,†Betongeza said.
He said Matiba, who was being held at Kalisizo police station pending investigations, had taken several minutes scaring away the mob.
The DPC warned the public against taking the law into their hands, saying culprits would be prosecuted.
ONE person was killed by a stray bullet as residents of three villages in Rakai district attacked a police post in an attempt to lynch a man who had sought asylum at the post.
Rakai District Police Commander Betongeza Abraham said Bukenya was killed as he fought a Police Constable at Mayanja Police post in Kakuuto sub-county.
Bukenya had allegedly led a mob from Simba, Samba and Kalirawo villages to the Police post where Pascal Kawesi and his son had taken refuge.
The villagers had destroyed Kawesi’s plantation, burnt his house and seized his animals, which resulted into eight residents being arrested and charged with malicious damage and theft.
Betongeza said Bukenya and about 150 residents wanted to take revenge on Kawesi’s family on the grounds that his son, Bruno Kasibante, had killed Justine Nakyese who the family believed was a witch.
Reports said Constable Matiba tried to prevent the mob from breaking into the post and shot several rounds in the air but Bukenya attacked him and tried to grab his gun.
“In the process, Bukenya was shot by a stray bullet in the forehead and died minutes after reaching Rakai Hospital,†Betongeza said.
He said Matiba, who was being held at Kalisizo police station pending investigations, had taken several minutes scaring away the mob.
The DPC warned the public against taking the law into their hands, saying culprits would be prosecuted.