KAMPALA- The Directorate of Crime Intelligence has raided several spare part shops in Katwe suspected of selling reported stolen motorcycle spare parts, and recovered several number plates.
The last night operations followed the apprehension of two suspected thugs identified as Isaac Kawukyi and Swaibu Ssesimbo, who allegedly staged a roadblock in Nsangi and stole two brand-new motorcycles and sold them in Katwe for spare parts.
Over the weekend, authorities apprehended the duo in Makindye. Following their arrest and questioning, they revealed the locations of spare part shops in Katwe’s central zone, where they had been selling stolen motorcycles for between UGX 400,000 and UGX 50,000.
Police raided shops owned by Kabanda and Nsubuga (alias Kamanda), recovering number plates and log books for around 20 motorcycles. The plates will be cross-checked with past reports of stolen motorcycles.
A police officer at Katwe Police Station, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed to this reporter that one suspect was apprehended while another fled. ‘We seized numerous spare parts and we’re continuing to track down additional dealers involved in business,’ the officer said. ‘Katwe is notorious for being a hub where stolen goods are sold at discounted prices.” an officer noted.
He added that the suspects buy motorcycles from perpetrators, dismantle them into spare parts and others sell them after fixing different number plates to their customers who mostly are from Upcountry.
One of the boda-boda leaders in Katwe, Joseph Kavuuma, said that the police should always cooperate with the area leaders in conducting such operations, in order to register a success in apprehending criminals operating such businesses.
//cue in “bwebaba nga…
There’s been a surge in motorcycle robberies in areas like Makindye, Natete, and Kyengera, with thieves even targeting houses and fences in the dead of night. Police Spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke revealed that over 40 suspects were arrested last week in these areas, caught with house-breaking tools and motorcycle number plates.
