Kampala Metropolitan Police in close coordination with Flying Squad and CID at Old Kampala Division, arrested 53 more notorious suspects in their crackdown operations against criminal elements.
They are suspected of carrying out armed robberies with pangas, iron bars and knives in the areas of Kigaga zone, Nateete-Rubaga Division.
An assortment of exhibits which include; 4 DVDs, a hair dryer, counterfeit notes of 5000, 3 subwoofers with speakers, 4 pangas, 2 hammers, 2 knives, toolbox labelled “Mpigi”, keyboard, Sayona Flat Tv 42 inch, TLS Tv18 inch, 3 mobile phones, 4 pliers, one peak axe, one bow saw, microphone, opium sticks, screw drives, UMEME cable wire (15 metres long), Torch, Tv Antenna and padlocks, were recovered.
Another operation targeting armed assailants, was conducted in Katwe Kinyoro Zone in Kibuye, against thugs involved in criminal acts of phone snatching, smash-and-grab using pavers, mugging of people, along Entebbe Road, clock tower, Makindye road, Nsambya road and Stella Zone.
Out of the 30 suspects, 24 were screened out and these include; Abraham Meri, Musanyu Comfort, Mujuni Eric, Bamwine Silver, Raymond Squad, Tushabe Asuman Victor, Nasasira Owen, Amanya Christopher, Byaruhanga Ivan, Mugerwa Keneth, Nuwamanya Keneth, Ahereza Mathias, Byakatonda Moses, Ngobi Robert, Akandinda Julius, Seruga Drake, Yesigye Sunday, Ahimbisibwe Noah, Bamwine Alex, Sewankambo Muhamad, Talemwa Godwin, Otyango Joseph, Wodeya Vincent and Amanize Brian.
An assortment of exhibits was recovered which included; 3 flat screens, 3 cameras, electronics, house breaking implements, knives and 50kgs of smashed opium was recovered.
Enanga Fred, Police Spokesperson, said the task team further proceeded with an intelligence-led sting operation on the 18.04.2022, in Kevina zone, where 26 suspects were arrested.
Another batch of exhibits was recovered which included; 78 TV flat screens, 54 mobile phones, a mattress, 1 generator, 1 motorcycle, 2 recorders, a welding plant, 2 surveying machines, 2 laptops, 2 warmers, a slashing machine, 20 motorcycle engines, 2 radius, 2 pianos, 04 cameras, 1 passport of a US citizen, among others.
In a separate development, a local Askari identified as Benjamin Ivan Eriya, grappled with one of the armed robbers, who had a knife and iron bar, while making an alarm, which attracted tenants and neighbours, who responded and subdued the suspect.
The gang had attacked the rental units of Mawejje Juma, on the 13.04.2022, at around 2am, at Katale Busabala cell.
Police responded but found when the suspected robber had succumbed to the injuries at the scene.
On the 16.04.2022 at around 3am, a group of 3 robbers, armed with pangas, broke into the room of Magada Yesere and robbed him of his TV, laptop bag, 2 mobile phones (ITEL).
The robbers were, however, identified by the defence secretary of Wabiyinja zone; as Katumba Muzafaru, General Fung Bar and Kasawo Young.
They mobilised and pursued the suspects and managed to arrest Katumba muzafaru and also recovered the Tv, black laptop bag and clothes.
According to Enanga, most of the suspects arrested in the last couple of weeks are hardened criminals, and youth who have turned to armed robberies as a way of making money.
They subscribe to the “GREENS”, a new criminal gang based in Kyengera and Kasolo Groups in Luyinja-Namungoona and Kibulooka in Nansana.
“Our operations have hit several of their locations, causing a huge dent into their criminal acts in Namungoona, Kasubi, Nansana, Nabweru and Kyengera. There is some peace and security restored in these affected communities, after the crackdown operations, arrests and recoveries,” Enanga noted.
“We pledge to continue with these targeted operations, against violent armed gangs and associates who pose serious threats of safety and security in our communities,” he added.