Two Children Killed in Soroti Mob Attack Over Theft Allegations

Tragedy struck Soroti City in the early hours of Monday as a mob brutally attacked three street children, resulting in the deaths of two and critical injuries for the third. The incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. on Town Talks Street, fueled by unverified accusations of theft.

East Kyoga Regional Police Commander, Haji Ibrahim Saiga, confirmed that the enraged mob targeted the children based on suspicion. Two of the victims were severely beaten before being set on fire. The surviving child was rescued by police and is currently receiving emergency medical care at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, listed in critical condition.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Soroti City Mortuary for postmortem examinations. Police are actively investigating the circumstances and working to identify the individuals responsible for the attack.

This incident underscores a persistent problem of mob justice in Uganda, where vigilantism often replaces formal legal procedures. Annual crime reports indicate that mob action is a significant cause of violent deaths, driven by public frustration with crime and a perceived lack of trust in the justice system. Vulnerable groups, such as street children, are frequently victims of such attacks based on mere suspicion.

The Uganda Police Force has strongly condemned the vigilante act, reiterating that taking the law into one’s own hands is a serious criminal offense. They urge the public to report suspected criminals to the authorities, emphasizing that all individuals are entitled to due process. Investigations are ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Soroti Central Police Station.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/two-street-children-burnt-to-death-in-soroti-mob-attack-5545714