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15 held as Police intensify crackdown on violent crime in Tororo
The coordinated night operation, conducted on June 28, followed weeks of intelligence gathering on suspected criminals linked to aggravated robberies, assaults and violent attacks.
Police said all the suspects remain in lawful custody as detectives complete witness statements and forensic inquiries before forwarding the files to the Resident State Attorney for legal advice.
By: Simon Masaba, Journalist @New Vision
TORORO - Police in Tororo District have arrested 15 suspects during an intelligence-led operation targeting violent criminal gangs believed to be terrorising residents in the district.
The coordinated night operation, conducted on June 28, followed weeks of intelligence gathering on suspected criminals linked to aggravated robberies, assaults and violent attacks.
A statement from Bukedi South Regional Police said the arrests significantly disrupted the activities of suspected criminal groups operating in Kwapa Sub-county, Molo Sub-county and Tororo Municipality.
"Investigators have since opened three separate criminal case files involving aggravated robbery, unlawful wounding and attempted commission of a felony," the statement said.
According to police, four suspects were arrested in Kwapa Sub-county after they allegedly erected an illegal roadblock.
The suspects are accused of attacking members of the public who were returning from a funeral before robbing them.
Another eight suspects were arrested in neighbouring Molo Sub-county after allegedly assaulting mourners returning from another funeral and stealing their property.
Police said the coordinated attacks appeared to target vulnerable travellers moving at night after burial ceremonies.
In Tororo Municipality, detectives arrested three other men who were allegedly found sleeping inside an unfinished building under circumstances police considered suspicious.
Investigators believe the trio could have been preparing to commit a felony.
During the operation, police recovered two slashers, a spear and two torches believed to have been used during the attacks.
The suspects are accused of attacking members of the public who were returning from a funeral before robbing them.
Another eight suspects were arrested in neighbouring Molo Sub-county after allegedly assaulting mourners returning from another funeral and stealing their property.
Police said the coordinated attacks appeared to target vulnerable travellers moving at night after burial ceremonies.
In Tororo Municipality, detectives arrested three other men who were allegedly found sleeping inside an unfinished building under circumstances police considered suspicious.
Investigators believe the trio could have been preparing to commit a felony.
During the operation, police recovered two slashers, a spear and two torches believed to have been used during the attacks.
Police said all the suspects remain in lawful custody as detectives complete witness statements and forensic inquiries before forwarding the files to the Resident State Attorney for legal advice.
Investigators are also pursuing additional suspects believed to have escaped during the operation.
Police have appealed to residents to continue sharing information about suspected criminal gangs operating in their communities.
The Force said intelligence-led operations will continue across the region as part of wider efforts to suppress violent crime.
Investigators are also pursuing additional suspects believed to have escaped during the operation.
Police have appealed to residents to continue sharing information about suspected criminal gangs operating in their communities.
The Force said intelligence-led operations will continue across the region as part of wider efforts to suppress violent crime.