SOROTI –The police in Soroti have launched an investigation into the mysterious death of two brothers in Agaya village, Agirigiroi parish, Arapai sub-county last week – following their alleged theft of a bull.
The brothers have been identified as Levi Okello, 40 and Michael Etonu, 30.
The duo died after allegedly drinking a concoction, which a traditional healer, Simon Opolot – from Kapelebyong district had prepared, reportedly to recover a stolen bull.
According to reports, trouble for the two biological brothers started when their father identified as Joseph Emoru, 60, lost a bull a fortnight ago.
Simon Peter Emetu, the LCIII chairperson of Arapai sub-county narrated that Emoru, in an attempt to recover the stolen bull valued at more than a million shillings –resorted to witchcraft in an attempt to recover his bull.
But reports indicate that before using witchcraft, Emoru reportedly convened a family meeting to inquire whether anyone among his children had any knowledge on the whereabouts of his bull.
Emetu said the desperate father convened another meeting in the village to inquire and warn residents of dire consequences should he go for the last option – witchcraft – but nobody came up with information about his bull.
He noted that the purported witch-doctor arrived on Wednesday to perform his rituals after issuing another warning to the family which later saw two brothers, dead. Information in the village indicates that 10 people took the concoction but the others are still alive.
Moses Olang, the District Police Commander of Soroti revealed the said witch-doctor had been placed on a wanted list for murder. He added that the traditional healer duped Emoru in paying him an additional Ugx2m to reverse the lives of his deceased sons – which money was sent to him via 07796775213 – but the suspect switched off his off – going into hiding.
“He is now wanted on counts of causing death, practicing without a licence and extortion of money,” confirmed Police Spokesman, Fred Enanga in a statement on Monday – adding: “We would like to warn all traditional medical practitioners and healers, that they will continue to be charged with causing death, if their practices lead to the death of a person in future.
“Several traditional healers describe themselves as master herbalists, who can cure several illnesses.”
According to the DPC, Emoru had reported the case of the loss of his bull at Odudui Police post but decided to take another approach before authorities could conclude their investigations.
Despite the fact that Emoru’s approach to seek justice could have resulted into the death of his children, Emetu noted that a number of people in his community had resorted to witchcraft in solving their disputes related to theft.
