Police in Kasese Municipality have arrested 46 suspected members of a criminal gang during an intelligence-led operation aimed at tackling rising crime in the area.
The operation, conducted on Saturday evening at around 6:30pm, targeted the cells of Nyakasanga, Kisanga, Kidodo and Majengo in Central Division after intelligence reports and public complaints pointed to a resurgence of criminal activity.
The operation was supervised by the Kasese Division Police Commander, SP H. Hiwumbire, and led by the Officer-in-Charge of Nyakasanga Police Station, ASP Lukol.
Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said preliminary intelligence indicated that the suspects were linked to a criminal gang commonly referred to as the “Gazz Group”, which police believe has been behind a series of robberies, burglaries, thefts and bag-snatching incidents targeting pedestrians, particularly at night.
“The operation followed intelligence analysis and public outcry over increasing crime in the municipality, which revealed that the group had regrouped and resumed its criminal activities,” ASP Maate said.
Police said the suspects have been charged with common nuisance and possession of opium. They remain in custody pending further screening and investigations.
ASP Maate said similar intelligence-led operations would continue across Kasese Municipality to curb crime and apprehend other suspects still at large.
Cue in Maate…..on the Arrest……RR/ENG//
