Three workers arrested over sh21.3m theft at Chinese firm in Kassanda
The suspects were arrested following investigations into a break-in at Musana Plywood Factory in Lubumba village, Myanzi sub-county, where unknown people allegedly broke into the store during the night of July 8 and stole several pieces of industrial equipment.
Three workers arrested over sh21.3m theft at Chinese firm in Kassanda
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Police in Kassanda District have arrested three suspects, two of whom were employees of a Chinese-owned plywood factory, over the alleged theft of machinery and equipment worth more than sh21.3 million from the company's store.
The suspects were arrested following investigations into a break-in at Musana Plywood Factory in Lubumba village, Myanzi sub-county, where unknown people allegedly broke into the store during the night of July 8 and stole several pieces of industrial equipment.
According to Wamala Regional Police spokesperson Lameck Kigozi, the stolen property included three water pumps, a grinding machine, a drilling machine, a compressor and other equipment, all valued at sh21.3 million.
The theft was reported to Kassanda Police Station by the factory manager and translator, Solomon Baba, prompting detectives and Scene of Crime officers to visit and process the scene.
"The dog led officers in the direction of Katooke village where some of the stolen items had been abandoned along the way and were recovered. Although the dog later lost the scent, intelligence-led investigations continued," Kigozi said.
Police said the breakthrough came on July 9 when intelligence officers arrested two suspects, identified as Charles Opio and George Atuhaire, both linked to the factory.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to breaking into the store and disclosed that they had acted with three other accomplices.
"They admitted they were five in number and revealed that the stolen equipment had been taken to the home of a man only identified as Musilamu in Katooke Village," Kigozi said.
Investigators established that Atuhaire and Ramah were active employees at the factory, while three other suspects are still on the run.
Police have since recovered all the stolen equipment as exhibits. Efforts are ongoing to trace and arrest the remaining three suspects.
Kigozi said the suspects will be arraigned before court once the Resident State Attorney in Kassanda sanctions charges of store breaking and theft.
He urged workers employed by investors to desist from engaging in criminal activities, warning that theft not only attracts criminal prosecution but also undermines investors' confidence.
"We appeal to people employed by investors in the region to resist the temptation of stealing. Such acts not only attract penal sanctions, but also discourage other potential investors from establishing businesses in the region," Kigozi said.