58 suspected robbers busted
Police in Katwe has in custody 58 suspected robbers believed to be part of a gang terrorizing and stealing from locals in Kampala.
The syndicate was busted in a Wednesday night operation spearheaded by local police following complaints of increased theft in the area.
Police says the suspects who also use narcotic substances have been raiding residential houses and businesses in areas of Salaama, Masajja, Mutundwe and Bunamwaya.
58 suspected robbers busted
ASP Luke Owoyesigire the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan spokesperson says the gang was captured at their hideout after a tipoff from selected locals.
He says police also recovered several items believed to have been used in various robberies by the suspects.
“During the operation, police was able to recover narcotics substances, pangas, house breaking implements and gloves that are used to cover fingerprints during the robberies,” he said.
The released 2020 Annual Crime Report indicates that theft has remained one of the leading offences committed in Uganda with 41,950 cases contributing 21.4 percent of all crimes registered that year.
Several suspects were arrested and remanded. Reports indicate that 16,421 cases were taken to court, 5,257 cases secured convictions, 101 were acquitted, 1,176 were dismissed and 9,886 cases were still pending in court while 14,825 were still under inquiry.
Theft was also the leading offence in 2019 with 55,704 cases.
Minah Nalule
