KABALE – Shock engulfed residents of Buhinga village in Rubaya sub-county in Kabale District as a couple beaten to death before they were set ablaze by an angry mob over alleged witchcraft.
Mr. Elly Mate, the Kigezi region police mouthpiece, has identified the deceased as Tom Karegyesa, 65, his wife Jessica Mbirirwe, 66, and their daughter Miracle Natamba aged 22. These were first beaten, left in critical condition later set on fire.
It is alleged that on March 7, a 66-year old woman identified as Anet Fridah mysteriously died in the village that neighbours Buhinga.
Mr. Mate confirms that Anet slept well and that in the morning she was found dead yet she was not sick.
After one week when the funeral rites were completed, the relatives of the deceased organized themselves and stormed the late Karegyesa’s home accusing him of bewitching their person and a number of people in their area who have been dying in the same unknown circumstances.
Residents allege that Anet and Karegyesa had a long misunderstanding.
The two died at Kabale Referral Hospital but Natamba is still admitted at Kabale hospital in critical conditions.
The police officer condemned the act saying that conflict cannot be solved by mob actions. He also assured residents that the suspects will be arraigned before the court when all investigations are done.
