Criminal gangs have resorted to using catapults to target motorists and pedestrians, the Police have said.

Consequently, the Police, through the Directorate of Crime Intelligence, are intensifying operations to crack down on the possession and misuse of factory-made catapults in the country.

Addressing a joint security press briefing in Kampala, Police spokesperson Fred Enanga said criminal gangs now use catapults to smash windows of motorists and unsuspecting pedestrians. A catapult is a device for shooting with small stones. It is made of a Y-shaped stick with a piece of elastic band tied between the two top parts.

In some communities, catapults are used for killing birds either to keep them away from the gardens or for food. But Eanga said while in the wrong hands, catapults could cause the death of someone or at least blind a person.

“We would never target responsible use by people like fishermen, but irresponsible, dangerous use of factory-made catapults is something we would love to crack down on,” Enanga said.

 In the past, the Police have seized pangas, bows and arrows, large quantities of inflammatory materials used in the making of petrol bombs iron bars and knives, among other items. Enanga said even in this incidence, the Police have embarked on cracking down on the perpetrators who are importing, selling and misusing the catapults.

Enanga said the Police have been able to seize several catapults, but could not divulge details about the importers and perpetrators behind the arrangement. He called upon anyone in possession of the catapults to surrender them to the Police. Enanga said there are people within our communities who do not wish anything good for this country.

“When equipped with a metallic bearing, the factory-made catapult can really be dangerous and with a metallic projectile can be so deadly,” Enanga said. Deputy Police spokesperson for Kampala Metropolitan Luke Owoyesigyire said catapults are not listed as offensive weapons.

He added that catapults could have been imported into the country by negative elements as tools of violence. He argued that the items are dangerous because they are capable of firing metallic and other projectiles.

KYAMBOGO ROBBERY SUSPECTS

Meanwhile, a woman is among the three suspects arrested in connection with a robbery at the home occupied by Chinese nationals in Kyambogo, Kampala. The arrests were made during a security night raid on Saturday. The four suspects disguised as National Water and Sewerage Corporation workers and attacked two people at the residence.

The suspects include alleged team leader Edison Musinguzi, Dan Muwoza, driver Joseph Mperese and Judith Mbabazi. Police reportedly identified the woman, Mbabazi from the security camera footage and she was arrested from Ntungamo, but is reportedly a resident of Lungujja in Kampala.