Summary:
- The suspects, identified as Asiimwe Josephat (30), a businessman from Bwambala in Rukungiri District, and Nakunda Javira (34), a businessman from Buremba in Kazo District, were apprehended following a series of thefts in the district.
MBARARA: Police in Mbarara District have arrested two suspects accused of stealing number plates from motor vehicles and demanding ransom for their return.
The suspects, identified as Asiimwe Josephat (30), a businessman from Bwambala in Rukungiri District, and Nakunda Javira (34), a businessman from Buremba in Kazo District, were apprehended following a series of thefts in the district.
According to SP Samson Kasasira, the suspects operated during the night of November 26-27, 2024, targeting vehicles parked in various trading centers in Mbarara District.
They allegedly left a phone number on the vehicles, instructing owners to call and pay a ransom for the recovery of their stolen number plates.
“Police successfully tracked the suspects and arrested them in Rukungiri District. They also helped us identify the locations where they had hidden the stolen number plates,” Kasasira revealed.
Seven number plates were recovered and are currently exhibited at Bwizibwera Police Station as evidence.
Kasasira added, “The suspects are pending prosecution in courts of law.”
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents to help curb such crimes.
