Four Arrested for Mob Justice in Masindi

Four people have been arrested for alleged mob action. 

The suspects whose particulars have been concealed by police for fear of jeopardising investigations were arrested on Wednesday. They are residents of Kirima cell, Kisiita ward, Karujubu division in Masindi Municipality. 

It is alleged that the suspects together with more than 300 other residents on Tuesday raided the home of William Katwesige of the same area demolished his house and set it ablaze. They also destroyed his banana plantation and looted several items.

The mob accused Katwesige of being behind the murder of Linus Mugisa 24, a resident of the same area who went missing from the village on August 30th.

Residents and the police mounted a search for the missing person but in vain.

However, on Tuesday more than 300 villagers regrouped and mounted a thorough search for the missing body. They recovered his body dumped in Katwesige’s pit-latrine.

The angry residents raided Katwesige’s home demolished his house and later set it ablaze.

Police were immediately notified and rushed to the crime scene to calm down the situation. The rowdy mob reportedly took off upon seeing the police.

Charles Akuyo, the LCI Chairperson says, the mob was too charged adding that after the situation escalated, he alerted the police.

Julius Hakiza, the Albertine region police spokesperson says that, through an intelligence-led operation, they managed to arrest the four suspects who are currently being detained at the Masindi police station.

He condemned mob justice, tasking the residents to respect the law and avoid taking matters into their own hands.  

According to Hakiza, Katwesige who is being accused of murdering the deceased has currently fled his home.