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A car, registration number UAG 468T (Toyota Corona), was suspected of carrying stolen cattle
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By Our Reporter
Sheema - Police in Sheema District intervened to rescue suspected cattle thieves from an angry mob following a surge in cattle theft in the area.
The suspects, Kanzira John, 25, and Dan Agaba, 28, both residents of Katete Cell in Mbarara City, were accused of being involved in cattle theft in the region.
According to ASP Consilata Kasule, the Sheema District Police Commander, on the night of December 9, 2024, a car, registration number UAG 468T (Toyota Corona), was suspected of carrying stolen cattle. Residents mobilized and intercepted the vehicle in Kabwohe Town, Sheema Municipality. Upon searching, they discovered a tarpaulin containing cow dung, blood stains, two pangas, and cattle hooves, which raised suspicion that the occupants of the car were cattle thieves.
One of the suspects that was almost lynched
"This discovery fueled suspicion among the residents, leading to an attempted mob justice incident where the crowd tried to kill the suspects," Kasule said.
Police managed to rescue the suspects in time and took them into custody at Kabwohe Central Police Station. A case file has been opened to investigate the ongoing cattle theft in the district.
"We have interrogated the suspects, and they have admitted to stealing a cow in Buteraniro, Rwampara District, and selling it in Butare Town, Bushenyi District. We are still investigating to ensure all their accomplices are arrested," Kasule added.
Recently, several cases of cattle theft have been reported, including six animals stolen in Kashozi Division and two in Sheema Central Division.
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