In a tragic turn of events, 55-year-old Catherine Apio was found strangled at Achilo Trading Centre in Serere District.
Before police could arrest the prime suspect, Pati Odongo, an enraged mob took matters into their own hands, killing him on the spot.
This incident highlights the dangers of vigilante justice and the urgent need for community trust in law enforcement.
The Crime: A Life Cut Short
Catherine Apio, a peasant from Abulu Village, was last seen drinking at a local bar owned by Julius Ochen on the evening of March 11, 2025.
Authorities believe Apio, intoxicated and unable to return home, became a victim of a heinous crime.
Early the next morning, locals discovered a grass-thatched drinking joint on fire. Upon extinguishing the flames, they found Apio’s lifeless body inside.
Preliminary investigations suggest she was raped before being strangled.
The Mob’s Revenge
Police quickly launched an investigation, deploying homicide detectives, a canine unit, and scene-of-crime officers to the site.
A police dog led them to the home of Pati Odongo, a resident of Achilo Trading Center, who was identified as the prime suspect.
However, before authorities could arrest Odongo, an angry mob tracked him to his father’s home and killed him on the spot.
This act of vigilante justice has complicated the investigation and drawn condemnation from law enforcement.
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Police Response
Serere District Police have strongly condemned the mob’s actions, urging the public to leave criminal matters to law enforcement.
“Mob justice undermines the rule of law and denies suspects their right to a fair trial,” a police spokesperson stated.
Both Apio’s and Odongo’s bodies have been taken to Serere Health Center IV for postmortem examinations.
Police are continuing their investigations and have called on witnesses to come forward with any information that could aid the case.
