The Flying Squad Unit and Mukono Police have arrested two suspects in the armed robbery of Spice Supermarket, in Mukono Municipality during an intelligence led operations.
According to a statement released by police, the two suspects, Magalu William and Mbogo Sam were identified by a witness who saw them flee the crime scene.
“The two suspects were seen on the eve of the robbery, while drinking at Cloud 9 bar, near the supermarket. They include Mugalu William, a 24-year-old resident, of Nasuuti cell, Ntawo ward, Mukono Central and Mbogo Sam, a 23-year-old, resident of Nasuuti cell, Ntawo ward, Mukono municipality. They were clearly identified by one of the witnesses who clearly saw them escaping from the scene,” the statement read.
The Police states that its working on the recovery of the gun and identifying other members of the gang who appear to be an amateur group.
“We are now working towards the recovery of the gun and identifying other members of the gang, who appear to be an amateur group. Such groups are usually desperate, panicky more high risk and willing to use violence,” continued the statement.
One of the victims of the armed robbery, Ssekandi Irene, who was shot through the stomach has been offered counselling services from the police.
“We wish her quick recovery. A team of counsellors from CID Headquarters has been dispatched to offer counselling services to the victim,” the statement read.
The statement also cautioned that the police expect an increase of crime especially on retail businesses and attributes the increased crime rate to unemployment amongst the youth, use of drugs among others.
“Although attacks on supermarkets have not been so regular, we anticipate more retail crimes on supermarkets, mobile money points, retail shops, markets etc, which continue to be at risk, due to high levels of unemployment among the youth, use of drugs, change in criminal tactics, where robbers attack softer targets with lesser security, such as supermarkets and the opportunity of get-away. Other than guns, knives, machetes, screw drives and other sharp objects are used,” read the statement.
Police also called upon the public to strengthen their neighborhood watch programs and boost security measures in reinforcement of the Joint Security Agencies that have deployed more overt and covert manpower in Mukono to help dismantle the criminal gangs behind retail crimes.