One Lynched, Four Arrested Over Motorcycle Theft in Hoima

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Summary:

• Hoima City police are pursuing suspects involved in the burning death of a 24-year-old man, Abitegeka Gilbert, over an alleged motorcycle theft, while also apprehending four individuals, including Henry Mugisha, in possession of suspected stolen motorcycle parts.

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Hoima City | THE BLACK EXAMINER | Hoima City police are on the lookout for individuals responsible for the fatal burning of Abitegeka Gilbert, also known as Kasibante, a 24-year-old resident of Karongo in Masindi district.

According to Julius Allan Hakiza, the Albertine Region Police Spokesperson, the incident occurred on Sunday at approximately 11:00 a.m. in Kijungu, Hoima. The victim was lynched and set on fire by an unidentified angry mob, accusing him of stealing a motorcycle.

Hakiza revealed that the police managed to rescue the victim and promptly transported him to Hoima Regional Referral Hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries a few hours after arriving at the hospital.

It was disclosed that the deceased had changed his name from Kasibante to Gilbert Abitegeka upon relocating from Masindi to Hoima.

In response to the incident, Hoima police conducted an operation in and around the city, resulting in the arrest of four suspected motorcycle thieves. One of the apprehended individuals, Henry Mugisha from Paija ward in Hoima East Division, was found in possession of stolen motorcycle parts and accessories.

Hakiza told Examiner on Monday that the operation, based on intelligence information, led to the recovery of various items, including 18 lamp guards, 43 plate holders, 6 leg guards, 4 side mirrors, 1 fuel tank from a Bajaj Boxer motorcycle, 6 ignition switches, and a motorcycle with registration number UFU 416A, all discovered in Mugisha’s residence.

Additionally, three other suspects, Patrick Wamani (29 years old), John Byaruhanga (36 years old), and Fred Ngozi (32 years old), were rescued from the enraged mob. They were found using suspected stolen motorcycles, with registration numbers UFL 218W, UFM 783N, and one without a registration number.

Hakiza confirmed that all four suspects are currently in custody and will face charges related to the possession of suspected stolen property, including a motorcycle.