According to the police, Shamim Bitariho, the suspected thief of the Kigezi diocesan vehicle, was discovered in possession of nine master keys which she allegedly used to break into and steal the car.
Bitariho, a businesswoman residing in Namungona, Kampala, was apprehended by Rwampara police in the Rwizi region while driving a stolen vehicle that is believed to have been taken during the burial of the late Apollo Nyegamahe in Kitaburaza cell, Muhanga town council, Rukiga district.
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The arrest took place at the Nyeihanga town council checkpoint at approximately 10:00 pm, following the report of a stolen car at Muhanga Police Station. Several police stations along the Kabale Mbarara highway were notified.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi region Police spokesperson, explains that Bitariho, currently in police custody at Muhanga Police Station in Rukiga district, was captured on cameras in Rubaare Town Council, where she had parked until nightfall.
Maate states that the stolen vehicle, a grey Suzuki with registration number UAT 478N, was being used by the clergy from Kikugiri Archdeaconry in Kabale to attend the burial of the late Aponye.
However, a thief used master keys to steal the vehicle during the burial and drove away towards Ntungamo road. After about 15 minutes, cameras in Rubaare Town Council recorded the vehicle heading towards Mbarara.
Maate mentions that the police ICT department participated in the investigation. The suspect, along with a man captured on cameras in Ntungamo, was seen heading towards Mbarara-Kampala road.
Upon receiving the information, the police in the Rwampara district set up a checkpoint along the road. When the suspect and the man reached the checkpoint at Nyamukana, they refused to stop and forcefully drove through.
The officer at the checkpoint promptly informed the police in Nyeihanga, who established another checkpoint and intercepted the vehicle being driven by Shamim Bitariho.
Bitariho was immediately arrested and taken into custody at Nyeihanga Police Station. A search was conducted in the car before she was transferred to Muhanga Police. Maate reveals that Bitariho is believed to be a repeat car thief.
During the search, the following items were found in the vehicle: nine master keys, five sticks of marijuana, 500,000 shillings, and two trays of eggs.
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Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend the male individual captured by cameras in Ntungamo.
Rev Milton Nkurunungi, the Diocesan Secretary, emphasizes the need for collective efforts from the public and security to prevent such incidents. He also encourages people to repent and accept Jesus Christ as their savior.
The diocese has provided statements to the police regarding how the vehicle was stolen and urges them to thoroughly investigate the case.
Also Read: LIRA: Mother buries new born baby hours after birth, arrested
PHOTO CREDIT: URN
