Elias Serugo, a resident of Karambi Village Gasovu Parish in Nyarusiza Sub County is counting loses after his business house was destroyed and merchandise worth over 15 million shillings set ablaze by a yet to be known mob.
Since last month, Serugo has stayed away from Birembo Trading Centre, after residents attempted to excommunicate him, on allegations of practicing witchcraft.
Serugo has cried to authorities, including the office of the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), after community members expelled him.
According to Seruga, he learnt of the tragedy that befell his business yesterday morning.
He had not slept at the premises on Monday night, when the attck happened.
The old man told www.vomuhabura.com that he has been receiving threats against his life and property if he does not vacate the village.
His business house located in Birembo Trading Centre, Gasovu Parish in Nyarusiza Sub County now has damaged roof, broken widows and the entire business merchandise was looted and burnt down.
The house has been serving as business premises and a store for irish potatoes.
When our reporter visited him at his residential house in nearby Karambi village, he was perplexed and was not sure of the next move.
He said his worry was that the next attack could be on his residential house which could affect members of his family.
Serugo, who refused to engage the reporters into an extensive interview, said he had not reported the incident to higher authorities, save for Nyarusiza Sub County police post.
He however denied the witchcraft allegations from the residents.
When asked, the Kisoro Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Hajji Badru Sebyaala, asked local leaders to ensure that Serugo and his family are safe.
“We are aware of that confusion, but Erias should be protected. We have the LC1, LC2 and LC3, so what is their role?” Said Mr Sebyaala.
He warned against mob justice, saying security will arrest any individual implicated in any wrongdoing.
Sebyaala says they recently met the victim and local leaders, and homed the matter was put to rest.
The Nyarusiza Sub County Vice LCIII Chairperson, Turikumwe Gerald, appeals to the victim, Serugo, to approach community members for mediation.
Turikumwe, who is also the Gasovu Parish Councillor, says it is rare for the whole community to gang up against someone out of malice.
“If he has issues with the community, let him sit down with the residents to save the situation. You cannot be simply be hated by everyone for nothing,” he added.
Turikumwe however urges residents of Karambi village and the neighbourhood to keep calm and avoid involving themselves in acts of mob justice against Serugo, since everyone would individually face the law.
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