A suspected thief has been beaten to death by a mob in Kitgum Municipality following a robbery at a local home. The incident occurred at Ginnery West Cell, Guu A Ward, Pandwong Division when two men only identified as Komakech 24, and Gung 27, were caught stealing from Bosco Ocaya Okidi’s house.
The thieves took two chickens, a pair of black open shoes, a black backpack, and a radio. Ocaya raised an alarm and the community locals quickly apprehended the suspects with the stolen items. However, while being restrained Komakech attempted to flee. The mob chased him down and in a violent act of vigilante justice, severely beat him.
Aswa East Police Spokesperson Inspector of Police Joe Oloya confirmed that despite efforts to help, Komakech succumbed to his injuries around 6 am. Gung, the surviving suspect was later rushed to Kitgum Main Hospital in a critical condition.
Oloya said reports from the community suggest that both suspects were armed with a panga and a knife, and they are believed to be habitual offenders. He said police confirmed the death and are investigating the incident.
The body of the deceased has been transferred to Kitgum General Hospital mortuary for a postmortem, while Gung remains under medical care. Authorities are urging the public to report criminals to law enforcement instead of resorting to violence.
A total of 3,019 cases of House Breakings were reported to Police in 2024 compared to 3,329 cases in
2023, giving a 9.3% decrease in this crime category. By the end of 2024, a total of 1,016 cases of Murder by Mob Action were reported to Police compared to 1,039 cases reported in 2023, giving a decrease of 2.2% in this crime category.
