A suspected vandal accused of cutting electricity transmission wires was rescued from an enraged mob after residents caught him allegedly tampering with power infrastructure in Nawangiri Village, Butayunja Sub-county, Mityana District.
The dramatic incident unfolded on Sunday, June 21, 2026, when vigilant residents reportedly spotted two men in the act of cutting electricity wires that supply power to the area. According to preliminary information, one suspect remained on the ground while the other climbed a power pole and began severing the cables.
As residents converged on the scene, the suspect on the ground managed to escape.
However, his accomplice, who was still on the pole, found himself trapped as villagers surrounded the area.
Moments later, he was apprehended and subjected to mob assault before police intervened.
Officers from Butayunja Police Station, responded swiftly after receiving reports from the community.
The team arrived at the scene and rescued the suspect from the angry crowd, preventing what could have escalated into a fatal act of mob justice.
Police recovered several items believed to have been used in the operation, including cut sections of electric wire, a red Bajaj motorcycle registration number UMA 413DC, a black tool bag containing implements such as a hammer, scissors, spanners and axle blades, as well as a reflective work overall.
Investigators say efforts are underway to trace and arrest the second suspect who escaped during the commotion. Authorities have withheld the identity of the suspect currently in custody to safeguard ongoing investigations.
The incident has been hailed as a testament to growing public vigilance against the vandalism of critical infrastructure in the Wamala policing region. Police praised residents of Nawangiri Village for their quick response and cooperation, noting that community involvement remains crucial in combating crimes that disrupt essential services.
At the same time, law enforcement officials cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, urging residents to hand over suspects to authorities rather than resorting to mob justice.
