Man killed over solar panel theft in Kitgum
“We have launched investigations into the incident and are working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved,” said IP Oloya.
Kitgum: A 29-year-old man, Akemkwene Rogers, a resident of Cam-Cam Cell in Pandwong Ward, Kitgum Municipality, was killed by a mob in Opette Village, Amida Subcounty, over an alleged dispute involving a solar panel.
According to Inspector of Police (IP) Joe Oloya, the Aswa East Regional Police Spokesperson, it is alleged that the deceased attempted to steal a solar panel from the home of an individual only identified as Jimmy.
As Rogers tried to flee with the item, children belonging to Okech Benson raised an alarm.
Jimmy, Okech Benson, and several others pursued Rogers, caught him, and fatally beat him, after which the group reportedly fled the scene.
However, an alternative account from a local leader in Amida Subcounty, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disputes the theft claims. The leader stated that Rogers had visited to collect a final payment for a solar panel he had previously sold to the alleged attackers.
It was during this visit that the situation reportedly escalated into violence, resulting in his death.
IP Oloya confirmed that a team from Kitgum Central Police Station, led by Detective Assistant Inspector of Police (D/AIP) Okello John Paul, visited the crime scene and recovered the body. The deceased was later transported to Kitgum General Hospital Mortuary for a postmortem examination.
“We have launched investigations into the incident and are working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved,” said IP Oloya.
He urged members of the public to provide any information that could assist police in arresting the suspects and strongly condemned mob justice, reminding the public that taking the law into one’s own hands is a criminal offense.
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