Mega Fm & Agency
Police in Pader District are searching for a woman accused of burning a five-year-old boy with petrol after alleging that he stole sweets worth Shs100 from her shop.
The suspect, identified by local leaders as Mercy Ajok, is accused of tying the child’s hands with banana leaves, pouring petrol on him and setting him on fire during the incident, which allegedly occurred on Friday, August 1, in Rackoko A Village, Rackoko Parish, Lunyiri Sub-county.
The victim, Calvin Ogwang, had reportedly been living under Ajok’s care since the death of his father, who was her brother.
According to local leaders, the alleged assault followed the disappearance of sweets worth only Shs100 from Ajok’s shop.
Jimmy Ojok Omot, the area LC I Chairperson, said he learned of the incident on Sunday after receiving a phone call from another village chairperson.
When local leaders went to the home to check on the child, Ajok allegedly refused to let them in.
Ojok said they could hear the boy crying from inside the house, adding that the suspect appeared determined to hide him from the community.
Before police arrived, Ajok reportedly fled on a motorcycle.
The child was later rescued with severe burns on both hands. The boy, who is originally from Dokolo District, has since been taken by relatives for medical treatment and recovery.