Six arrested in Busia operation targeting phone, bag thefts
Police said the operation was carried out by the territorial force under the command of the officer in charge of operations and targeted areas identified as crime hotspots.
Six arrested in Busia operation targeting phone, bag thefts
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Police in Busia have arrested six people and recovered suspected stolen property during an intelligence-led operation targeting burglary, bag snatching and mobile phone theft in the municipality.
The operation was conducted in the early hours of September 3, 2026, between 3:45 am and 4:30 am in Arubaine A and B villages in Eastern Division, Busia.
Police said the operation was carried out by the territorial force under the command of the officer in charge of operations and targeted areas identified as crime hotspots.
The suspects arrested were identified as Saleh Nasoor, 17, Asharif Hassan, 18, Hamed Nuru, 19, Ramathan Kyambade, 14, Patrick Ashaba, 16, and Umar Timeri, 23.
During the operation, police recovered a 32-inch black Fol television, two mobile phones and a hammer.
The suspects were charged with being in possession of suspected stolen property under SD Reference 07/03/09/2026.
Johnson Moses Mugwe, the Bukedi South Regional Police spokesperson, said the operation was based on intelligence targeting suspected criminals and their hideouts.
“We want to inform the general public how we are very committed to the intensification of such operations through the intelligence-led disruptive operations that we are keeping in continuity,” Mugwe said.
He warned people involved in criminal activities to abandon the vice and engage in lawful economic activities.
Police said similar operations would continue in other areas identified as crime hotspots in Busia.
Suspected stolen vehicle impounded
In a separate development, police in Busia have impounded a vehicle suspected to have been stolen and arrested a 24-year-old man after the occupants allegedly resisted efforts by officers to take the vehicle to the police station for verification.
The incident occurred at about 11:00 am on September 4, 2026, in Sofia village, Eastern division, Busia municipality.
The officer reportedly overtook the vehicle and ordered the occupants to stop so that its ownership and circumstances could be established.
Police allege that instead of cooperating, the occupants became confrontational, with the co-driver, identified as Kevin Wafula, allegedly switching off the ignition in an attempt to prevent the vehicle from being taken to the police station for further scrutiny.
Wafula, 24, was arrested and detained at Busia Central Police Station.
Police registered a case of being in possession of suspected stolen property and obstruction under SD Reference 43/04/09/2026.
The vehicle was parked at the police station as investigators began checking its ownership and movement.
Preliminary police findings indicate that the occupants had not, at the time of the report, produced documents to support their claim of ownership. Police said the vehicle was therefore being treated as suspected stolen property as inquiries continued.
Statements from the arresting officers were yet to be recorded, while investigators were also expected to establish the identity and whereabouts of the other occupants.
The case remains under investigation.