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Residents said night attacks have become rampant in the area, leaving residents in fear.
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By Jovita Hasto
Mbarara police have arrested 38 suspects in a security operation following increased cases of night robberies by machete-wielding thugs in the city. One of the victims, Ms. Rhonah Ainembabazi, a resident of Kakoba Ward, narrated how thugs broke into her house after climbing her gate. “They stole money, a phone, and other household items. I was sleeping when two unidentified men surrounded me. They forced me to send them money via mobile money and also took away my phone,” she said.
She added that night attacks have become rampant in the area, leaving residents in fear.
Mr. Robert Twesigye, a boda boda operator in Mbarara City, explained that robbers usually strike between 11:00 pm and 2:00 am, targeting cyclists who carry passengers late at night. “At that time, when you risk carrying a passenger to places far from the main road, you might be killed. Thieves move in groups. We also want to make money, but it is not easy,” he said. Twesigye further noted that security officers no longer conduct night patrols as frequently as before, something he believes has worsened insecurity.
Following these concerns, police launched an operation that led to the arrest of 38 suspects from Kakoba, Katete, Ruti, Nyamitanga, and Kijungu. Police said the groups were also recruiting juveniles from the streets into crime.
SP Samson Kasasira, Rwizi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrests, saying four of the suspects were juveniles. “We apprehended 38 suspects, including four juveniles, in connection with insecurity, theft, and robberies involving machete-wielding thugs,” he said.
Kasasira revealed that 30 of the suspects were already wanted in other regions, including Kigezi, Greater Masaka, and Bushenyi, for similar crimes.
During the crackdown, police recovered marijuana, pangas, hammers, military uniforms, and jerrycans of aviation fuel, which the suspects were allegedly selling to street children and using to intimidate residents. “Some suspects were in possession of government stores, including military uniforms, which they used to scare and take advantage of people,” Kasasira added.
The suspects are currently in police custody pending prosecution. Kasasira also cautioned parents to watch over their children during the school holidays to prevent them from being lured into criminal activities.
“Security begins at home. Parents must ensure their children are safe and not engaging in behaviors that could lead them into crime,” he said.
Torch Media Africa
