In a significant breakthrough, police in Mbale City have apprehended three suspected thieves believed to be part of a criminal ring terrorizing residents. The suspects were arrested on Friday behind Casablanca on Republic Street, following a tip-off from vigilant members of the public.
The Mbale City District Police Commander (DPC), SP Blacks Bakashaba Kenneth, confirmed the arrest during an interview with the Salt media He identified the suspects as Gizaza Denis Swahaba, Omolo George, and Setongo Medy. The trio was found in possession of a staggering array of stolen items, including 60 national IDs, a passport belonging to Kadodi Agnes, two Samsung phones, four laptop chargers, three hammers, three school bags, torches, visas, two Absa Bank ATM cards, a radio, wave cards, and other miscellaneous items.
According to SP Bakashaba, the suspects are believed to be part of a notorious gang that has been targeting unsuspecting victims, particularly at night. “These are the serial thugs who have been terrorizing people, snatching phones and women’s handbags. Their arrest is a significant step in our efforts to curb crime in the city,” he stated.
The recovery of such a large number of national IDs and bank cards has raised concerns about the potential for identity theft and financial fraud. Police are urging anyone who may have lost their IDs or other personal items to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The suspects are currently being held at Mbale Central Police Station (CPS) and are expected to be arraigned in court soon. Authorities have assured the public that they are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the city and restore safety and security for all residents.
This arrest has been hailed as a victory for community policing, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public in combating crime. Residents of Mbale have expressed relief and optimism, hoping that this development marks the beginning of a safer and more secure environment in the city.
The Mbale City District Police Commander (DPC), SP Blacks Bakashaba Kenneth, confirmed the arrest during an interview with the Salt media He identified the suspects as Gizaza Denis Swahaba, Omolo George, and Setongo Medy. The trio was found in possession of a staggering array of stolen items, including 60 national IDs, a passport belonging to Kadodi Agnes, two Samsung phones, four laptop chargers, three hammers, three school bags, torches, visas, two Absa Bank ATM cards, a radio, wave cards, and other miscellaneous items.
According to SP Bakashaba, the suspects are believed to be part of a notorious gang that has been targeting unsuspecting victims, particularly at night. “These are the serial thugs who have been terrorizing people, snatching phones and women’s handbags. Their arrest is a significant step in our efforts to curb crime in the city,” he stated.
The recovery of such a large number of national IDs and bank cards has raised concerns about the potential for identity theft and financial fraud. Police are urging anyone who may have lost their IDs or other personal items to come forward and assist with the investigation.
The suspects are currently being held at Mbale Central Police Station (CPS) and are expected to be arraigned in court soon. Authorities have assured the public that they are intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the city and restore safety and security for all residents.
This arrest has been hailed as a victory for community policing, demonstrating the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the public in combating crime. Residents of Mbale have expressed relief and optimism, hoping that this development marks the beginning of a safer and more secure environment in the city.
