Farmers and traders in Bukomansimbi district have resolved to take matters into their own hands in response to a surge in coffee thefts.
Of late, criminals have been raiding plantations, breaking into storage facilities, and stealing coffee beans, prompting residents to propose harsh punishments for suspected thieves.
During a security meeting in Kikuuta trading centre, Kitanda sub-county, residents decided on extreme measures to deter criminal activities including burning vehicles used by thieves during pursuits, confiscating properties of suspects and auctioning them to compensate victims.
Others include punitive actions against brokers found dealing in stolen coffee, including seizing and auctioning their stock. If the suspects lack property for compensation, their families will be held accountable
Additionally, the community has imposed an 8 pm curfew on transporting coffee and livestock and plans to form security teams to patrol villages at night.
The chairperson of Kitanda sub-county, Joseph Kamuli, lamented the inability of the police to address the escalating thefts and other robberies targeting household goods, shop merchandise, livestock, and motorcycles. Some victims have sustained injuries during these attacks.
"We have realized that the situation is beyond the police's control, which requires us to step up our local interventions. In some cases, the public has been let down by the police when it releases known habitual offenders and they continue to terrorize our communities," Kamuli said.
Prominent coffee farmer Francis Ssebwana emphasized the dire impact of these thefts, noting that criminals often damage coffee trees to conceal stolen beans, compromising the quality of coffee meant for export. He believes the community's severe measures will deter offenders.
Despite residents' frustrations, Bukomansimbi deputy resident district commissioner Fred Kalemba Pax cautioned against mob justice. He urged collaboration with security forces, revealing that the district had recently acquired a sniffer dog to help trace criminals.
Kalemba said the district security committee is assessing the situation to provide a lasting solution and called on the community to help arrest criminals and let the law take its course. Kalemba attributed the rise in crime to decreased vigilance, recalling how community cooperation helped reduce murders and other crimes in 2020.
While the community views its actions as necessary to combat escalating insecurity, authorities warn that mob justice could lead to further lawlessness.
{loadposition inarticle}
Source
