The spokesperson of the Police Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), Charles Twine Mansio, has advised the business community and all Ugandans to always seek escorts from police or private security organizations whenever they have to move with lots of money

Twine made the remarks after revealing that 15 people, including a family of three, were arrested over robbery during the recently renewed police operations, after an Indian investor was robbed of Euros 100,000 about Shs435,687,164.

Twine said that; “CCTV cameras and ground intelligence from people aided the police to make the arrests after a family of three, including parents of a 20-year-old male were arrested following intensified operations against crime in the city.”

He added that; “Mr and Mrs. Lule were arrested for shielding their son, Ssetimba Samuel, 20, resident of Kawaala, Rubaga Division, Kampala District, who was a prime suspect in the robbery of Euros 100,000 that had occurred a day earlier.”

Twin revealed that “Another accomplice, Julius Mugisha, a boda-boda rider and resident of Wakiso Town Council, was also arrested. These are part of a bigger gang of suspects that were arrested for various other offences from in and around the city.”

According to the police, investigations indicate that Ssetimba, Mugisha and others still at large, while moving in a convoy of more than 8 Bajaj Boxer motorcycles, hit an Indian businessman with a hard object in the face, while hoodwinking onlookers as if they were hitting a thief. The incident left the victim unconscious, after which the suspects grabbed his bag containing the money, Euros 100,000 and fled.”

The matter was later reported by the victim on  February 10^th, 2021 and investigations commenced immediately until the Flying Squad Unit arrested the suspects.

The arrested were found in possession of ladies’ bags, several ATM cards and other valuable items.

In a similar development, police arrested several other suspects from Kawempe Division, following reports of several robberies and car break-ins in the Kampala Metropolitan Area.

This particular operation was aided by the use of the CCTV cameras and ground intelligence from people who volunteered information.

The suspects are part of a syndicated crime gang involving several boda-boda riders who move in convoy-coordinated movements, closely trailing victims before they attack.

Several items have since been recovered from the suspects following the operation.

“Uganda Police would like to sincerely appreciate Members of public that volunteered information that led to the arrest of some of the suspects. We would like to appeal to everyone to report any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects that are still at large,” Twine said.

Twine revealed that the police are vigorously conducting more operations until the suspects still at large are arrested and the city pacified of such violent crimes.

The arrested suspects will be arraigned in court to face various charges, including attempted murder and aggravated robbery.

By Baron Kironde