27-Year-Old Burnt to Death Over Goat Theft Allegation in Rukungiri

Rukungiri: Police in Rukungiri District are investigating circumstances under which a 27-year-old man was lynched by a mob over alleged theft of a goat.

The deceased has been identified as Allan Mwesigye, a resident of Kacence cell, Kacence parish, Nyakishenyi sub-county in Rukungiri district.

According to police, the incident happened on Thursday morning, November 6, at around 5:00 a.m., when Mwesigye was allegedly caught red-handed stealing a goat belonging to Edith Barangirana, a resident of the same area.

It is reported that after being arrested by the suspects, the mob beat him to death and later set his body on fire.

Kigezi region police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate confirmed the incident, saying the case was reported at Nyakishenyi Police Station, and officers visited and documented the scene.

He added that statements were recorded from witnesses and the body was taken to Rwakabengo Health Centre III for postmortem examination.

ASP Maate condemned the act of mob justice, emphasizing that investigations are underway to identify and arrest all suspects so they can face the law.

He further urged members of the public to always hand over suspects to police instead of taking the law into their own hands.