Two suspected thugs were beaten to death in Nansana Municipality of Uganda by angry residents after allegedly attacking a village and terrorizing locals in broad daylight, police said on Wednesday.
According to the police report, the killings came after the suspected attackers moved around the area threatening people and blocking some residents from accessing parts of the village, sparking panic and confusion among locals.
The situation escalated after one of the suspects allegedly attempted to attack a resident with a machete, prompting other residents to retaliate.
Police at Matugga are investigating the violent mob incident that erupted in Kigoogwa village in Gombe Division, Nansana Municipality.
Residents reportedly chased and assaulted the suspects, killing one at the scene while the other who was rushed to Mulago National Referral Hospital later succumbed to his injuries.
The residents blamed Matugga Police for allegedly ignoring earlier complaints, saying the authorities’ failure to act may have contributed to the deadly violence.
“The police ignored these repeated attacks, and residents eventually became frustrated. That is how the situation got out of hand,” they said.
“This is now the fourth time they are attacking my home, but whenever we report to the police, nothing is done. We have been abandoned,” the residents said
The residents said the area has for years been affected by family conflicts and land wrangles, but tensions escalated after the disputes turned violent.
Rachel Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police spokesperson, confirmed that one suspect had been arrested to assist with investigations and is currently detained at Matugga Police Station.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the mob justice incident and the underlying land dispute are ongoing.
MG/as/APA