Jinja city was marred by a horrific incident on Sunday as an angry mob took justice into their own hands, resulting in the tragic death of two young men. Mafabi Musisi, 22, and Byeko Onyango were brutally killed and set ablaze in Kainogoga village, located in Jinja’s Northern division. The reason behind this gruesome act was their alleged involvement in goat theft.
According to reports, the duo broke into Hussein Tenywa’s home and made off with two of his prized goats, leading to a chain of events that ended in a tragedy. The theft of livestock is not uncommon in rural areas, where goats and other animals hold significant value in the livelihoods of the residents.
The mob’s fury reached its peak when they caught Musisi and Onyango roasting the stolen meat in a resident’s garden. Without giving any chance for due process, the enraged crowd decided to use the same roasting materials to inflict a fatal punishment on the suspects. The situation spiraled out of control as emotions took over rationality, and the mob carried out the gruesome act of burning the accused alive.
Law enforcement authorities were alerted to the incident, and the bodies of the victims were later taken to Jinja main hospital mortuary for further investigation and documentation. The shocking incident has left the entire community in shock and anguish, with questions being raised about the efficacy of the local justice system and the need for stronger crime prevention measures.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police publicist, expressed deep concern over the alarming incident and its implications for law and order in the area. He revealed that the police have not only intensified patrols in the villages but also on the highways to combat the rising crimes of animal theft.
In their effort to apprehend criminals, the police are relying on CCTV control rooms that operate round-the-clock to monitor the movements of suspicious vehicles and motorcycles that may be transporting stolen animals and livestock. Recently, a police patrol vehicle intercepted a boda-boda rider on the Jinja-Iganga highway, transporting four slaughtered goats and nine chickens packed in sacks. These animals were reportedly stolen from Bwondha in Mayuge district and destined for illegal black markets in Bugembe, Jinja city.
As criminal activities escalate, the police are calling on the community to remain vigilant and promptly report any movements of suspicious individuals or vehicles in their respective areas. The use of motorcycles and other dangerous weapons by thieves to rob innocent citizens has become a growing concern for law enforcement, and they are committed to curbing these criminal activities.
The situation in Jinja’s northern division has been a matter of significant concern, with the escalating insecurity demanding urgent intervention, particularly an increase in police manpower. In response to these growing concerns, authorities recently equipped Jinja northern division with a police patrol vehicle to ensure regular patrols and prompt responses to criminal incidents.
The tragic events of that fateful Sunday serve as a stark reminder of the need for a robust justice system that ensures due process and prevents acts of mob violence. While the frustration over rising crime is understandable, mob justice can never be justified and only perpetuates a cycle of violence and lawlessness.
As the community grapples with grief and shock, it is crucial to address the root causes of such crimes, including poverty, lack of opportunities, and limited access to justice. A collaborative effort between law enforcement, local leaders, and the community at large is essential to address the underlying issues and create a safer environment for everyone.
