Police in Kasese District have arrested nine suspected criminals during an intelligence-led operation targeting gangs accused of phone snatching, burglaries and thefts in Kasese Municipality.
The operation was conducted on Tuesday at about 7pm by officers from Kasese Police Division in Acholi Quarters, Nyamwamba West Cell, Nyakasanga II Ward, Nyamwamba Division.
Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate identified the suspects as Muhindo Derick, 18; Muhindo Lindi, 17; Mumbere Wilson, 25; Baluku Silver, 37; Amanyire Arnold, 26, all residents of Nyamwamba West; Masereka Gaste, 20; Kiiza Karukasi, 20; and Mumbere Joel, 16, all from Kyondo Cell, Scheme Ward, Nyamwamba Division; and Bwambale Godwin, 18, a resident of Kizungu Cell in Nyamwamba Division.
Police said the suspects are believed to be part of criminal groups involved in a string of phone snatching, burglary and theft cases within Kasese Municipality.
During the raid, officers recovered suspected stolen property, including three television sets, two woofer sets, two amplified speakers, an amplifier, two laptops, about 40 iron sheets, six television remote controls, a weighing scale, a window frame that had been removed from a building, and other items.
The suspects have been charged with possession of narcotic drugs and possession of suspected stolen property as investigations continue.
ASP Maate said the operation forms part of an ongoing crackdown aimed at dismantling criminal gangs that have reportedly regrouped in parts of Kasese Municipality and reducing crime in the area.
He urged members of the public who may have lost property to visit Kasese Central Police Station to identify recovered items and assist with investigations.
Police said similar intelligence-led operations will continue across the municipality to apprehend other wanted suspects.
