The mob beat Balyesima to death and set his body on fire, believing that he was part of a group responsible for the recent spate of motorcycle thefts in the area.
Police in Kabwoya Subc-county, Kikuube District, are investigating the brutal killing of 60-year-old who was lynched by a mob after being accused of stealing a motorcycle.
Julius Hakiza, the spokesperson for the Albertine Region Police, said efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible for Charles Balyesima’s death.
His body has been taken to Kikuube Health Centre IV for post-mortem examination.
The police have cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands.
According to Hakiza, the tragic event occurred on Monday evening when a group of boda boda riders in Kabwoya Trading Centre suspected Balyesima of motorcycle theft.
“Balyesima was spotted with a new motorcycle, which raised suspicions among the boda boda riders,” Hakiza said.
“They followed him to his rental, where they discovered several motorcycle number plates, which further fueled their anger.”
The mob then beat Balyesima to death and set his body on fire, believing that he was part of a group responsible for the recent spate of motorcycle thefts in the area.
Hakiza strongly condemned the mob justice and urged the public to refrain from such acts.
“We continue to warn the public against taking the law into their own hands. If someone is suspected of committing a crime, they should be handed over to the police for proper investigation,” he said.
“Mob justice is dangerous because innocent people may be killed, and we will not tolerate this. Those responsible for this act will be arrested and brought to justice.”
The police have yet to make any arrests, but investigations are ongoing.
Hakiza confirmed that motorcycle thefts have been on the rise in Kikuube District, and the authorities are actively hunting for the culprits.
Balyesima, a resident of Kikuube, was taken to Kikuube Health Centre IV for further medical examination as police work to uncover the circumstances surrounding his death and bring the perpetrators to justice.
