Bt Tolit Ivan
Five people have died while eight others are in critical condition after a witch doctor performed his craft in a bid to arrest suspected thieves in Lamwo district. Those in critical condition have been rushed to Palabek Ogili Health centre III.
The incident happened in Alimotiko village, Palabek Ogili sub county in Lamwo District.
Police identified four of the dead persons as Kenneth Lukoya, Simon Opira, Volon Ouma, and Denis Kaguta all residents of Ogili Central Village.
The witch doctor was allegedly hired by a businessman identified as Mwa Anthony after unknown thugs on December 5, 2024 broke into his store and stole 19 bags of sim sim and a motorcycle and 3.7 million Shillings.
Mwa reportedly informed the area local council authorities that he was going to Gulu to hire a witchdoctor to help him recover his stolen properties.
On Tuesday he appeared with the witchdoctor who performed his craft causing the death of one person after developing mental disorder. Four more people died on Thursday after developing mental disorder while eight are in critical condition.
William Komakech, the Lamwo Resident District Commissioner said that all the victims had eaten seeds that resemble sim sim which were given by the witch doctor.
Komakech noted that the witch doctor who is popularly known as Butaleja man convinced the victims into eating the seeds to prove their innocence.
Komakech suspects the seeds were laced with toxic drugs arguing that those recovering vomited very dark substances.
Joe Oloya, the Acting Aswa East Police Spokesperson, confirmed the report saying Mwa has been arrested to help police with the investigation.
The use of witch doctors to arrest suspected thieves is now a common phenomenon in Acholi sub region.
