RUKIGA: Police in Rukiga District have launched a manhunt for unknown suspects who vandalized and stole water supply infrastructure belonging to the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC).
According to police reports, the incident occurred on Friday night at an unknown time in Nyakitabire Cell, Muhanga Ward, Muhanga Town Council. The suspects allegedly broke into the main water reservoir tank, damaged the pumping line, and tampered with the distribution line that supplies water to Kamwezi areas. They stole 35 galvanized metallic pipes, each measuring 19.4 feet in length, 3 inches in diameter, and 90mm in thickness.
Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, confirmed that police were notified on Saturday morning by Jonan Musinguzi, the NWSC commercial officer. A case file of malicious damage to property and theft was opened, and investigations have since been launched.
“The scene of the crime was visited and statements were recorded from witnesses,” Maate said. “Preliminary investigations revealed that there was no water in the reservoir at the time, which enabled the suspects to use a handle axle blade to cut through the pipes.”
The cutting tool used in the theft was recovered at the scene, along with some of the stolen pipes that had been left behind. However, Maate noted that the crime scene had already been tampered with and contaminated by neighbors. Additionally, heavy rainfall further complicated the investigation, limiting the effectiveness of deploying a police canine unit.
Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that may lead to the arrest of the suspects.
CUE IN MAATE…….ON MALICIOUS DAMAGE……..RR/ENG//
