Police in Bushenyi District rescued two people from an angry mob that accused them of involvement in a recent murder. The mob also damaged and stole property belonging to the two victims.
The victims have been identified as Mpiirwe Leonard, a 31-year-old mobile money dealer, and Musinguzi Vincent, a 28-year-old businessman, both residents of Butare Ward in Kyamuhunga Town Council.
According to reports, a group of residents, mainly boda boda riders, attacked Mpiirwe on Thursday evening at Butare Trading Center. Police intervened and rescued him.
Fearing for his safety, Musinguzi handed himself in at Mashonga Police Post, abandoning his motorcycle in the bush. The mob then proceeded to Mpiirwe’s residence, where they partially demolished his house and destroyed property by burning.
They further targeted Musinguzi’s Swaziland bar and lodge, vandalizing items and allegedly stealing some property.
Police spokesperson SSP Marcial Tumusiime confirmed the incident and stated that officers intervened to stop further destruction and theft.
Sources claim the mob action stemmed from the recent murder and robbery of a resident, Asiimwe Wilson. The residents suspected Mpiirwe and Musinguzi of involvement due to their alleged closeness to the deceased.
The mob reportedly accused the two of not participating in the search for the deceased, not visiting the scene, and not attending the burial. Additionally, Musinguzi is suspected of being involved in another motorcycle robbery in the area last month.
SSP Tumusiime urged the community to maintain peace and allow the police to investigate their concerns. He added that no arrests were made yet, but Musinguzi’s motorcycle was recovered and impounded.
Police have opened a case file for malicious damage and theft of property. The crime scene will be revisited for documentation by scene-of-crime officers. The rescued individuals are currently detained at Bushenyi Central Police Station as investigations continue.
