Northern ‘jungle justice’ under investigation

Police in the Northern Province have their hands full investigating a double murder that saw ‘jungle justice’ meted out to an alleged rapist and a driver involved in a fatal crash.

In the first incident, three members of one family were allegedly murdered by an alleged rapist.

In retaliation, the suspect was reportedly attacked and killed by the Popondetta community in what many labeled as ‘jungle justice’.

A video that went viral on social media showed the man hanged like a pig and losing consciousness as he was carried on two poles to be burned alive by the men.

Northern Province Police Chief Inspector Ewai Segi said he would not respond to Post-Courier questions about the video being circulated.

The motive for the murder of the family in their garden could not be determined.

The same jungle justice was also meted out to another killer by angry relatives of a girl who was hit and killed by a vehicle along the highway at Popondetta.

The driver was found and reportedly burned alive inside the vehicle by the angry family members of the deceased girl.

Recently, the provincial government announced that a frontline team of specialists will take to the streets of Popondetta over the next 42 days to combat public order, which is the province’s first priority.

In the Northern Province, murder, armed robbery, grievous bodily harm and petty crimes top the list of criminal activities. The police, led by Chief Inspector Segi, have always responded to the crime and engaged several armed men.

Northern Provincial Member Gary Juffa said: “Law and order will always be a priority of his government and this operation represents that commitment.

“I am pleased that Commissioner Manning and his management continue to support our efforts in Oro.

“I am confident that the results of this commitment will result in many serious repeat offenders ending up behind bars with successful prosecutions.”