Suspected motorcycle thief lynched in Arua
“We are working tirelessly to bring all suspects to justice and recover stolen property.”
Arua: Police in Arua District are investigating a mob justice incident in which a suspected motorcycle thief was lynched in Kuluva Trading Centre, Vurra Sub-county, late on the night of Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
According to Collins Asea, the West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, the deceased has been identified as Simon Andi, 26, a resident of Odramachako, Ayivu West Division in Arua City.
The incident stemmed from the theft of two Bajaj Boxer motorcycles registration numbers UFP 266K and UFP 167K which were reportedly stolen from Encoti Microfinance in Kigumba, Kiryandongo District.
Around 10:30 PM, the District Police Commander (DPC) of Arua Vurra was alerted by his counterpart in Arua City about suspicious motorcycle movement. CCTV footage had captured the suspects riding through Arivu Trading Centre, heading toward Arua.
Responding swiftly, police officers tracked the movements to Kuluva Trading Centre, where an angry mob had intercepted one of the suspects riding UFP 266K. Before officers could arrive, the crowd had begun assaulting the suspect.
Despite efforts to rescue the suspect, Simon Andi succumbed to his injuries after being transported to Arua City Hospital for medical attention.
The recovered motorcycle was secured and taken to Arivu Police Station, pending its transfer to Kigumba Police Station, where the original case is being investigated.
The second suspect, believed to be in possession of motorcycle UFP 167K, managed to escape and remains at large. Police say they are actively pursuing leads and have called on the public to provide any information that could aid in locating the fugitive.
The CID Officer-in-Charge in Kiryandongo has been informed and is expected to coordinate efforts to arrest the second suspect and recover the remaining stolen motorcycle.
In a public appeal, the police strongly cautioned citizens against taking the law into their own hands. “While we understand the community’s frustration with rising crime, mob justice is illegal and undermines due process,” said Asea.
“We are working tirelessly to bring all suspects to justice and recover stolen property.”
Asea urges anyone with information relevant to this case to report to the nearest police station.
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