Seven suspected masterminds of various robberies in Mbarara city have been arrested in a joint operation involving the police and sister security forces, which lasted for two days.
The suspects are Moses Africa, 23, Isaac Turibamwe alias Kachaina, 19, Twinamasiko Ronald, 25, Anthony Nuwasasira, 19, Keneth Agaba, 25, Francis Muhumuza,47, and Joshua Atwebembeire, 35. They were found in possession of machetes, spears, Iron bar, ropes, hammer and knives, which they are suspected to have been using to break into people’s homes.
Samson Kasasira, the Rwizi region police Spokesperson, says that the suspects were picked from two lodges in Kizungu market cell where they were found in possession of stolen property.
The recovered items included two Television sets and an unspecified number of mobile phones.
He says the suspects will be charged with aggravated robbery, murder, and possession of harmful tools in public.
James Mwesigye, Mbarara Resident City Commissioner, who also doubles as the Chairperson of City Security Committee, says the operation was conducted in collaboration with sister forces like the army since intelligence reports indicated the suspects were using pangas. CUE. MWESIGYE OPERATION ENG.
He says despite the suspect’s denial of their connection to the Masaka machete attacks, they have been committing similar attacks. CUE. RCC MACHETE ENG.
David Muhumuza, the Kategyeto cell LC I Chairperson in Mbarara city north Division, says the arrest of the suspects is a huge relief to the residents noting that people have lost property and sustained injuries in night attacks.
He says that the thugs take advantage of non-functional street lights to waylay people returning from work as early as 7: 00 Pm. According to the Police’s annual crime report, Rwizi region registered the highest number of cases of crime in 2020 with 12,117.
