Police in Mbarara district have arrested a total of eight criminal suspects who have been involved in staging illegal roadblocks and robbing unsuspecting victims.
Those in custody are: Mugonza Akim, Muwonge Nuhu, Ukasha Kiyonga,Dominic Kakumu, Kennedy Nsiimire, Darious Mukundane, Charles Namanya, and Frank Lubega, all residents within the Rwizi region.
Police Spokesperson, SCP Fred Enanga, said that the suspects were arrested during an intelligence-led operation conducted by the joint security forces on the 20th and 21st October 2022.
Enanga says most suspects are hardened criminals, mainly youths who have resorted to armed robberies as a way of survival.
“We strongly believe the arrests of these hard-core criminals will restore peace and sanity in the region,” Enanga said.
Enanga says the gang was behind a series of illegal roadblocks and robberies, including the one staged on September 30th, 2022, along the Mbarara-Burembo road.
They were armed with machete and robbed one Dr. Mugume Dickson, who was returning from a function at HIT bar in Mbarara.
“We pledge to continue with these targeted operations against violent armed gangs and associates,” Enanga said.