Four people have been arrested in Nyanza District following the death of a 56-year-old man who was allegedly beaten by residents after being suspected of involvement in a goat theft.
The deceased, identified as Musonera Abraham, was found dead on a road in Kinyoni Village, Gati Cell, Muyira Sector, on Sunday morning, August 16, 2026.
According to residents, the incident followed an alleged attempted goat theft in the area on Saturday night.
They said suspected thieves entered a goat shelter, prompting the herder to raise an alarm and residents to join the search for those believed to be behind the attempted theft.
During the search, residents reportedly encountered Musonera on the road carrying a small container of locally made alcohol. He was allegedly suspected of being connected to the theft before residents apprehended and assaulted him.
Musonera later died, and his body was left on the roadside.
The Southern Province Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police Kamanzi Hassan, confirmed that four people had been arrested in connection with the death.
“Police arrested four people suspected of involvement in the death of the deceased. They are being held at Muyira Police Station, while investigations are underway,” Kamanzi said.
Musonera’s body was taken to Nyanza Hospital for examination to establish the cause of death.
Residents told Umunota.com that theft has recently been reported in the area, saying the repeated incidents may have heightened frustration among community members.
Police investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding Musonera’s death and the individual responsibility of those arrested.
