By Frank Kamuntu
The Territorial Police in Greater Bushenyi and Sheema district has in custody, 5 suspects who form part of a criminal gang, actively involved in the rampant thefts of cattle in Sheema district, from the month of June to August.
These include; Byampangi Allan, alias Mukiga, a 33 year old, mechanic of Kayole cell, Katenga parish, Kabale district, Mwesigwa Alex Abasa alias Byensi Mark, a 50 year old driver of Kabwohe Town “B” cell, Sheema district, Ssemanda Abasi, a 50 year old, business man of Kashenyi cell, Birere sub county, Isingiro district, Wasswa Zubair alias Kadede, a 40 year old, special hire driver of Katete cell, Mbarara City and Tashobya Peter, a 39 year old businessman of Kakorogoto cell, Sheema district.
Police Spokesperson Fred Enanga says the criminal gang has been behind the surge incidents of cattle theft, using salon cars, particularly Premio Model. The task team tracked down a Premio motor vehicle under registration number UBA 009Z, after it was captured on CCTV camera’s, transporting suspected stolen cattle from Sheema to Mbarara. It was impounded in Mbarara City and its occupants arrested. A second motor vehicle, Premio, under registration number UAR 362I was also impounded.
”So far 5 suspects have been arrested, two motor vehicles and 1 cow recovered from Wasswa Zubair alias Kalede, were exhibited. Effotrts are now in place to trace for the other stolen cows or the proceeds of sale,” says police.
The victims of cattle theft include Baryakaijuka Freedom, Musinguzi Sam Mary, Owarimpa Asaph, Muhumuza Elioda, Kwikiriza Asaph, Kakooza Patrick, Biriho Danns, all residents of Sheema district. The gang has been selling the stolen cows to dealers in Mbarara City at cheaper prices. Police says they also stole cattle from the districts of Ibanda, Ntungamo, Kiruhura, Rwampara and Kabale. Efforts are in place to trace and arrest the ring leader who is still in hiding.
”The arrest of the criminal racket demonstrates our collective resolve as the police and sister security agencies, to disrupt and dismantle all criminal gangs in the country. The operation has helped cause a reduction in incidents of cattle theft in Sheema district. The intelligence led operations are continuous and we would like to applaud the territorial teams in Greater Bushenyi, for their efforts,” says Police.
