Police in Rubanda District are investigating an incident in which residents set a motorcycle ablaze after suspecting its occupants of involvement in cattle theft in the area.

The incident occurred at about 2am on Wednesday in Rwamiganda Village, Mpungu Parish, Hamurwa Sub-county, according to Kigezi Regional Police spokesperson Nelson Tumushime.

Tumushime said residents intercepted the motorcycle on suspicion that it was being used by suspected cattle thieves who had allegedly been terrorising the area.

The residents reportedly set the motorcycle on fire before police arrived at the scene, destroying it beyond recognition.

Police recovered the wreckage and retained it as an exhibit to support investigations. No deaths were reported.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, police condemned the incident and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands.

Tumushime urged members of the public to apprehend and hand over suspected criminals to police for investigations and prosecution in accordance with the law.

He said investigations had been intensified to identify and arrest both the suspected cattle thieves and those involved in burning the motorcycle.