A MAN suspected to have stolen a sack of dry coffee was killed by a mob in Kayunga district. The criminal investigations chief, Grant Tabo, identified the deceased as James Luga, 30.
The incident occurred on January 13 at Nekooyedde village in Busaana sub-county. Residents allegedly found Luga with a sack of coffee suspected to belong to Patrick Kenyi.
The previous night, unidentified people broke into Kenyi’s store and stole coffee. The matter was reported to the authorities, according to the area LCI chairman, Patrick Kisanye.
Residents mounted an operation and recovered the coffee from Luga’s house. “Angry residents, armed with clubs and stones, lynched the suspect as he was trying escape,†Kisanye said.
Tabo said by the time the Police arrived at the scene, those who participated in the murder had already fled. “We have not arrested any suspect but the hunt for those who had engaged in the murder is going on. Murder is a capital offence and the culprits must be prosecuted by the High Court,†Tabo said.
He warned residents against mob justice, saying the Police would not hesitate to arrest those who get involved in the act.
Recently, a mob lynched four people in the neighbouring sub-county of Kitibwa. The deceased were also suspected to be thieves who were terrorising the area.
Tabo urged residents to report all cases to the Police.
Suspected coffee thief lynched in Kayunga
