The territorial police in Pader district has charged the Local Council Three (LCIII) Chairperson together with five others for the murdering an 80-year-old woman.

While speaking during the security presser on September 25, 2023, at the Police Headquarters in Naguru, SCP Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson said that, the local council three chairperson, who ordered for the killing of an 80-year-old woman for practicing witch craft was reportedly charged with murder with five others.

“The incident occurred in Ajan sub county on September 20, 2023. The victim was identified as Mary Akong, a resident of Acamoling village, Paibwor parish, while the Chairperson is identified as Christopher Mwaka of Ajan sub county together with Francis Ochaya, the LCII Chairperson, Robert Odongo LCI, Denis Rubangaken, caused the arrest of the victim,” Enanga said.

Enanga stated that, the Chairperson and the community at large accused the victim for practicing witch craft and tied the victim during the kangaroo court.

He added that, they arraigned her before the community for apology which she did, but later the Chairperson instructed the community to kill the victim and burn her home.

Enanga revealed that, the deceased was tortured from the kangaroo court up to her home where she was killed, the body set on fire and the homestead burnt.

Enanga confirmed that, the police in Pader was informed where they responded quickly and arrested the Chairperson together with Yusufu Oyet,  Francis Ochaya, Lucy Akello, Consulate Aol, Sylvia Ayeno, and efforts to trace for other suspects is ongoing such that they are brought to book.

Police condemn such acts of impunity and lawless that continues to exist in a country that has got the rule of law.

According to police report of 2020, there was a drop of murder cases by mob action with a total number of 540 cases of murder recorded compared to 746 cases reported in 2019, giving a decrease of 27.6%.