BY J M KAMALI: The crime intelligence is hunting down a suspected unknown gang group, reportedly behind a new wave of mobile money robberies within parts of Kampala Metropolitan Areas.
The hunt follows a spate of mobile money robberies, mostly within the districts of Kampala, Wakiso and Mukono that have seen at least more than four mobile money operators killed or injured by unknown assailants, who sometimes use guns.
In one of the latest incidents occurred in Kyengera town Council-Wakiso district, where one Lawrence Lutaseera, mobile money operator was shot dead at his gate while returning from work, by unknown assailants who were raiding on motorcycle over the weekend.
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The 45-year-old businessman resident of Nakilama cell, and his wife, Norah Patricia Kyazzike, were returning home in his motor vehicle Reg. No UBG 169M, when they were attacked on the gate.
It alleged that two unidentified men on a bodaboda, each armed with a gun, suddenly appeared and opened fire, shooting both Lutaseera and the gate-man. The assailants proceeded to rob them of approximately 80 million Ugandan shillings and mobile phones.
Now, sources from Police have indicated that the security agencies led by crime intelligence have started the operation to track down the hideouts and ringleaders of the gang behind this spate of robberies.
Police spokesperson, Fred Enanga, has confirmed the ongoing hunt. Without divulging details he said soon police would release the results of the covert operation.
“You remember that the crime intelligence and flying squad had recovered two guns of a gang group in Nabingo. We arrested six people who were convicted. But it is very well known that more new groups emerge. So we have started our covert operations to have new waves also dismantled.” Enanga said.
Some of the mobile money operators have called on the government to install more security cameras in hotspots as one way of fighting the rise of crime. There is an alert that guns are everywhere, so in this situation, all we can do is install more CCTV cameras that can scare away thieves.” One of the Mobile Money operators in Kampala said.
On his side, Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango has since cautioned the mobile money operators to avoid moving with huge sums of money that always attract thugs.