In a surprising turn of events, a police dog was deployed on Monday morning, November 25, 2024, to assist in the investigation of a stolen motorcycle at Paidha Central Police Station in Zombo District.

The motorcycle, reportedly belonging to one of the station’s officers, was taken in a daring theft that occurred overnight on the night of November 24th.

The thieves are believed to have raided the police quarters, making off with the vehicle.

David Othembi Dozomolo, the Local Council I (LCI) chairperson of Mvule Cell, where the police station is located, confirmed the theft, speaking to this publication. He said the incident was discovered early on the morning of November 25th.

“We understand that a Senke motorcycle was stolen from the police quarters. A canine dog was brought in to help with the search, and we moved around different parts of the town, but unfortunately, we couldn’t locate the stolen motorcycle,” Othembi explained.

This latest theft comes just weeks after another shocking break-in at the same police station, where thieves reportedly raided the police counter and stole a set of keys, including the key to the official vehicle of the Zombo District Local Council V (LCV) chairperson. The LCV car is usually kept at the police station for safekeeping.

The handler of the canine, along with a team of officers, conducted a thorough search of Paidha town, with the dog leading the way. Local leaders and residents were left astonished by the news of the theft, particularly given the location—a heavily guarded police station.

A source from Paidha Central Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the theft, saying, “Some thieves stole a motorcycle here, and everyone is surprised. That’s why you see the dog here.”

The canine unit’s first attempt led officers to Paidha Town Council premises, just a short distance from the police station.

The dog appeared to pick up a scent near the District Internal Security Officer’s (DISO) office before heading towards Offaka Road.

However, after sniffing around the expansive grounds of the Town Council, the dog suddenly became ill and was led out of the government premises. The search continued, with the canine walking briskly ahead of its handler through the streets, seemingly in pursuit of the suspects, but without any success.

The search took the team to a motorcycle repair garage on Offaka Road, where the dog appeared to focus its attention. This led to mixed reactions from the public, with one passer-by heard commenting, “This is the dog that was misleading people in Nebbi.”

Shortly thereafter, the police team, having made no tangible progress in locating the stolen motorcycle, led the canine back to a patrol car. The search was called off for the day.

By the time of publication, police had cordoned off the road leading from Paidha Central Police Station to Christ the King Catholic Church, with an armed officer stationed at the security checkpoint. A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We are told that some people stole a motorcycle from the police station, and that’s why the road has been cordoned off.”

At the time of reporting, Zombo District Police Commander Nelson Nahabwe could not be reached for comment.

The stolen motorcycle is believed to have potentially crossed into neighbouring DR Congo through one of the many porous border points, though this has yet to be confirmed.

This incident follows closely on the heels of last week’s theft of a bunch of keys from Paidha Central Police Station, which allegedly included keys for several district vehicles.

Though details on that theft remain scarce, sources suggest that it may be connected to the current motorcycle theft. Further investigations are ongoing, and police have promised to keep the public informed of any developments.

This theft is another reminder of the growing security challenges faced by local police stations and the need for heightened vigilance, particularly at stations that house sensitive government property.