NEWS– The Kampala Metropolitan Police Crime Intelligence Division, in coordination with KMP North and Wakiso, have in custody, a one Odongkara Steven, a 28 year old, electrician of Bulaga “B” village, Wakiso for string of knife-point robberies, against female victims lured from Facebook.
Facts gathered indicate that the suspect, met Namiiro Jemima on the 14th November 2023, on Facebook and they agreed to meet on a date, as boyfriend and girl friend, at Kasasa Bulaga village.
Along the way, while escorting each other, the suspect drew out a knife and stabbed the victim on the right hand, then grabbed her bag, and escaped from the scene.
The victim, a 27 year old resident of Najjanankumbi reported the matter to Police on the 22nd November 2023, around 10:30am, of simple robbery of her bag that contained cash Ugx 200,000 and cosmetics, by her facebook boyfriend, later identified as Odongokara Steven.
The suspect was tracked down and arrested on the 27th December 2023 promoting an immediate search and a knife recovered from, him before he admitted to luring girls and women on Facebook and robbing from them.
“As the Police, we urge girls, women and other persons looking to find love online, to proceed with caution, while kneeling up with a match in persons from dating sites” said Police in a statement.
SCP Enanga Fred, the Uganda Police Spokesperson confided to the press that the suspect admitted to robbing all victims after meeting them, following chats and conversations on Facebook.
Enanga adds that he forces the victims to surrender their bags, phones, and other valuables while in some of the incidents, the victims suffered knife injuries.
Enanga adds that “We would like to recommend safety tips to keep in mind, when meeting someone online. It is good practice to meet at a public place with others around. It is also important to have a buddy system, when going on dates. Tell a friend, whom you are going out with, photos and contacts. Do not go on a first date, when you are not around people. Either meet at a bar or restaurant. Other advanced arrangements can only take place after, knowing each other, very well”.
