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By Onzoma Albert Arua City The Community members in Ojovu Cell, Yivu Ward, Arua City, have expressed serious frustration and disappointment over the recent court bail release of a notorious cattle thief, which has raised fears of re-offending and an increase i
By Onzoma Albert
Arua City
The Community members in Ojovu Cell, Yivu Ward, Arua City, have expressed serious frustration and disappointment over the recent court bail release of a notorious cattle thief, which has raised fears of re-offending and an increase in animal thefts in the area.
The suspect, Malish Stephen, known as “Kpengbele”, along with two others, was arrested by police of Ayivu West Division for involvement in a cross-border cattle theft from the Democratic Republic of Congo on April 23, 2026. Despite facing charges for possessing stolen goods, unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful wounding, the suspects were released a week later on court bail.
Residents are therefore raising alarm and questioning how such known criminals, with multiple prior arrests, can be granted bail and continue their criminal activities.
Morish Eriku, the councilor of Yivu Ward, reports that the suspect has been threatening local leaders and community members who try to stop or report him, creating an environment of impunity and fear.
“Just barely one week after his arrest he was actually let out. The community here has remained in the same state. They have been terrorizing people. The community is now living in fear. Worst still, he is also stubbornly issuing death threats to people that whoever is trying to truck or disrupt his crimes of animal theft and other robbery cases he will kill the person” he said.
Eriku, further states that such issues may lead to community reluctance to report thefts, as residents feel their efforts to gather evidence are being undermined, urging them to guard their life and property.
“I am very disappointed. If this is how we are going to handle the justice system, then it is actual of no use to have them in place. But, my caution to the community members is that first and foremost your personal security must take lead. Therefore, people must take caution and make sure they take personal security as and the security of their property as a priority especially where the police and other security authorities have proven to be of no help” he added.
When asked for comment, SSP Josephine Angucia, the Police Public Relations Officer for West Nile Region, clarified that the suspect was released from court, not police detention, and declined to issue further remarks.
Godfrey Jonah Mbigitti, the Deputy Resident City Commissioner of Arua City in charge of Ayivu Division states that, security authorities are still investigating the matter and have not yet determined the appropriate measures.
“We are still following that matter with court and resident state attorney for us to make proper and an informed decision afterwards” he said.
This incident reflects a broader pattern of high-stakes cattle thefts in Arua City, involving notorious thieves from the West Nile region.
The community remains deeply concerned about their security and the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing ongoing thefts.
The residents are calling for swift and decisive actions to curb these crimes and restore trust in the criminal justice system.