A covert security team from the Directorate of Crime Intelligence (DCI) and Flying Squad has arrested 23 suspected phone snatchers in Kawempe Division, Kampala City.
The operation carried out for two days targeted phone snatchers who had been captured on Closed Circuit Television (CCTV).
The security team was guided by some of the victims in the villages of Kyebando Cell, Kilokole, and Keti Falawo.
Operatives who participated in the operation said police posts in these areas had received dozens of complaints from victims who have mostly been targeted in the evening rush hours.
“Some of these snatchers have been too confident to the extent of committing their crimes in front of CCTV cameras. People have been victimized mostly between 5 pm and 8 pm. We decided to conduct intelligence-led operations and we picked the suspects from their hideouts,” an operative said.
Most of the suspects are aged 17 and 18. Some of these come as far as Namasuba to terrorize residents of Kawempe.
They include Sabaga Suli Allan 18, a resident of Kilokole, Matovu Joram 18, a resident of Jambula Zone, Kiyobe Siraji 20, a resident of Keti Falawo, Mwesigwa Jackson 28, a resident of Namasuba, Mugabo Akim 17, resident of Komabongo, Mudidi Israel 30, resident of Bwaise Zone, Namakula Caro 18, resident of Kilokole, Kavuma Robert – Male, 24 years old, resident of Kazo, Katende William 28, resident of Jambula Zone, Kintu Josephat 28, resident of Kanyanya and Tuwi Bashiru 23, resident of Kawempe Kutaano, and Katumba Fred 25, resident of Kilokole.
Others include Kiwanuka John Bosco, 20, resident of Kilokole, Ndaula Melvin, 20, Ndugwa Faruk, resident of Kiganda Zone, Haruna Kigundu 23, Senono Haruna 24, Muzamilu Ali 18, Ndenza Jamilu 24, Kwagala Joel 24, Segawa Sulaiman 18, Umaru Kalenzi 24, Baka Moses 18, Kiiza Joseph, Matovu Akim 21, Luuze Abdul Shafiq 17, Suuna Shafiq 19, Setamu Abdul Salan 23, and Bawa Isa 27.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson said some of the suspects were found with narcotic drugs. Owoyesigyire said during interrogations, it was revealed that the suspects targeted individuals with mobile phones during traffic jams.
“Many of the arrested individuals were found to be suspected drug abusers, and they operated mainly around Kyebando traffic lights, returning to their Ghettos later. Furthermore, it came to light that a significant number of these suspects had recently been released from prison,” Owoyesigyire said.
Police have preferred charges of being in possession of suspected narcotic substances and theft. Locals who aided police in arresting the suspects have been extolled for promoting community policing.
“Police would like to commend the team at Kawempe for efforts in ensuring the safety and security of our community. We remain committed to fighting crime and maintaining law and order within the division of Kawempe,” said Owoyesigyire.
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