Police in Lira district are hunting for thugs who broke into Akangi Health Centre II and varnished with condoms and other hospital items. According to Superintendent of Police -SP Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga police spokesperson, a case of suspected store breaking, theft and neglect of duty occurred in wee hours of Tuesday morning at unknown time.
Okema said Akangi Health Center II is located at Awigwenowir village, Akangi parish ,Ogur Sub-County Lira District. Okema added that the report was made to the police by Akullu Anyes, Assistant nursing officer and a care taker of the facility.
“It’s alleged that Akangi Health Center II was locked with padlocks and in the store there were assortment of drugs. At unknown time, unknown thieves successfully gained access into the facility. They carried away 82 boxes of male condoms, 93 boxes of coartem drugs for adults, and 37 boxes of coartem drugs for children,” Okema said.
Police added that 53 boxes of RDT testing malaria kits and 15 boxes of amoxicillin capsules. Okema added that the stolen items were valued 3.27m. “A Case file of store breaking, theft of drugs and Neglect of duty was registered at Lira District police station. Scene of crime was visited and documented. Statements of relevant witnesses were recorded,” Okema said.
Okema added that 14 boxes of implants, yellow and red bin liners, one tracker machine 14 books of belongings to the facility, 43 pieces of COVID 19 cards were all recovered at the resident of security guard identified as Calvin Okwir upon search.
“Two suspects one Okwir Calvin security guard and Akullu Anyes a care taker of the health facility were arrested to assist investigation and are in police custody. Preliminary findings indicates 1 Padlocks on the main entrance of the facility were alleged thieves gained entry into the store was opened by use of keys (padlock was not tampered with or broken),” Okema added.
Police said all health workers of the facility leave place of work and reside in Lira-City, much as accommodations was constructed and available for the staffs. “This is a very unfortunate incident, we shall investigate this matter thoroughly to weed out the suspects and be taken before courts.”