In a security operation carried out in the Kawempe suburbs division of Kampala City, six individuals armed with axes were apprehended.
The operation, guided by intelligence, took place on Wednesday night in the Muganda and Kidokolo zones of the Ttula ward within Kawempe division.
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The spokesperson for the Kampala Metropolitan Police (KMP), Patrick Onyango, reported that the detained individuals were linked to instances of late-night house break-ins.
The police seized an assortment of items, including police and military uniforms used by the gang. Onyango explained that the operation was initiated based on credible information about suspects possessing suspected government property, namely police uniforms and tools for breaking and entering.
The arrested suspects who were found in possession of government property and burglary tools include Ramathan Ssekandi, a resident of Kiganda Ttula ward in Kawempe division, as well as Richard Sserugo, Siraj Ssenabulya, Bashir Mwagala, Brian Onen, and Samson Mpogoni.
All these individuals face charges related to possessing government property, such as police caps and trousers, along with tools for breaking into premises.
Concerns have risen about nocturnal security following incidents where these gangs targeted and robbed homeowners, even leading to incidents of rape in the Wakiso district.
The criminal groups, affiliated with a recently identified gang operating within the Kampala Metropolitan Policing (KMP) area, usually employ weapons like pangas and iron bars during their activities.
In response to these emerging criminal trends, the Police Flying Squad, aided by information from a previous detainee named Muwanguzi, is actively pursuing the members of these gangs.
The police have also taken measures to counter the escalating crime rates, including setting up rapid response units in various zones to swiftly address reported incidents. To date, the police have dismantled 52 criminal gangs since 2018.
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