Kampala, Uganda
The Police’s Flying Squad Units in Masaka and Mukono districts have recovered five motor vehicles and one motorcycle and arrested three notorious robbers.
The recovery and arrest were made in three separate operations to crackdown on criminal rings operating in the two districts.
According to the police authorities, they targeted criminal networks responsible for motor vehicle thefts in their respective areas.
On January 3, 2024, police officers from Bukoto police, stationed at a burial ceremony in Butale village, Masaka, observed three individuals attempting to steal motor vehicles parked at the event.
Swift action led to the arrest of Lukyamuzi Faruku, a 28-year-old from Kyengera town council, Wakiso. Faruku disclosed information that led to the recovery of a grey Toyota Premio (registration UAK762T), equipped with burglary tools.
Numerous stolen vehicle number plates were also discovered hidden under the car seats.
On January 5, 2024, the Flying Squad Unit in Masaka engaged in a high-speed chase with suspected criminals surveilling the area in a vehicle with a fake number plate (UBM 858N).
Tirelessly pursuing the suspects, the squad managed to deflate the vehicle’s tires near Total Petrol Station along Masaka-Kyotera road.
The apprehension of Ddamulira Edward, a 40-year-old resident of Nateete Kampala, revealed their use of master keys to steal from vehicles in crowded places, hotels, markets, and roadside parking in Kampala and other major towns.
The criminals had already targeted Masaka City, robbing two vehicles and utilizing a fake number plate (UBM 858N) on top of the original (UBA 858N).
Car Robbery
In Mukono, the Flying Squad arrested Wandera John, alias Katiginyi, a notorious car thief from Namubiru village, Nama sub-county.
Wandera was caught selling a suspected stolen motor vehicle (registration UBE 973W, white canter) stolen from Nsangi. Two accomplices, Wasiko Isaac and Patrick Mukyepere, remain at large.
The criminal network, responsible for altering stolen vehicle details such as chassis number, colour, and number plates, has been traced to individuals in Iganga and Bwaise.
The police underscored their commitment to combating criminal elements involved in motor vehicle thefts and bodaboda crimes.
The Flying Squad teams were applauded for their successful operations, and gratitude was expressed towards volunteers who provided crucial information.
The ongoing operations aim to dismantle these criminal networks and recover more stolen vehicles.
Police Spokeperson-Fred Enanga, says the operations will continue to curb motor vehicle theft in addition to ensuring public safety.
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