Ex-convict lynched over murder of three family members

Three people were killed and two injured on Saturday morning in Kyerwa Village, Bwoga Parish Rwengo Sub County, Buhweju District in an alleged revenge attack by an ex-convict.

Greater Bushenyi Police spokesperson Martial Tumusiime says the incident happened at dawn.

“The suspect came early in the morning with a panga, and kicked the loosely locked door open. It was easy for the suspect to enter because the door was loosely locked with a nail,” he said.

Mr Tumusiime identified the deceased as Jonah Kyoshabire, a 32-year-old mother of Racheal Amutuhaire 9, Getrude Niwandinda 3, who also died.

The two who survived with injuries include a 13-year-old boy and a seven-year-old girl, both from the same family.

Tumusiime adds that the suspect, identified as John Muhereza, 25, is an ex-convict. He was however lynched by a mob on his way to the Police post after the LC1 chairperson arrested him.

“He was released from prison on December 27, 2019 after serving his sentence on charges of Assault. He died at Nsika Health Centre IV after residents learnt that he is the one who killed the three family member,’’ Mr Martial said

The LCI Chairperson Joseph Babyeyangira said he was informed about the incident by a colleague of the deceased who had gone to call Kyoshabire in the morning to go to work.

“She went there to see Kyoshabire but found the door open called them but was answered by their young daughter. She then came to me and told me what had happened and I also went and arrested the suspect. But as I was taking him to police the mob attacked me and started beating him with stones,” Mr Babyeyangira said.

Babyeyangira says the suspect could have been revenging on the family for being witnesses in a court case against him two years ago.

“Two years ago Muhereza’s father accused him son of assault and he was found guilty and sentenced to two years in jail,” Mr Babyeyangira said.

Police however said they are investigating the case to establish the motive of the assailants. They condemned mod justice as it jeopardises the operations of police.

Three bodies of the deceased were buried on Saturday, while the survivors are still in the hospital nursing injuries on the head and arms. The suspect’s body is still at Nsika Health Centre IV mortuary, awaiting pick up by the family members who are said to have run for their safety.