By Juma Magino
BUSIA
A 21-year old man found siphoning fuel from fuel tankers in Busia town has been knocked dead by one of the angry truck drivers after getting him red-handed stealing fuel from his truck.
The deceased has been identified as Eric Juma Ssebakaki, a resident of Busia municipality.
The incident according to police happened in the wee hours (3AM) of Thursday morning, 20th April, 2023 along Customs road, in front of Aremo Complex building which accommodates Jogoo FM radio and Equity Bank, a few meters to the Busia One Stop Border Point, in Busia Municipality.
Eye-witnesses told our reporter that it all started after the deceased went to a trailer registered with number plate KBL 819T with the intention of siphoning fuel from its tank.
However, during the process, the driver of the trailer through his driving mirror observed that there was someone behind the truck stealing his fuel prompting him to start driving the truck in zigzag style which made the deceased fall down then the truck ran over him killing him instantly with his body destroyed beyond recognition.
Didas Byaruhanga, the Police Commander –Busia without giving details of the truck driver confirmed the incident saying that his team together with the customs authorities have commenced investigations about the matter and will deliver a detailed report later. He said the body of the deceased has been taken to Masafu hospital mortuary.
He has also issued a warning to road users within Busia municipality to always be vigilant while on the road so as to help in minimizing accidents. He also issued a warning to street children to stop the habit of targeting trailers with the intention of siphoning fuel from them.
For many years, truck drivers using Customs road have always complained about street children siphoning fuel from their trucks and looting their goods in transit. Last year, they even threatened to take action against them if the authorities failed to intervene.
