20 suspects arrested over theft of cattle
Apr 08, 2008
TWENTY suspected cattle thieves have been rounded up in a countrywide swoop in which 70 head of cattle and 12 goats were recovered.
TWENTY suspected cattle thieves have been rounded up in a countrywide swoop in which 70 head of cattle and 12 goats were recovered, reports Herbert Ssempogo.
Deputy Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba yesterday said the operations conducted by the Rapid Response Unit followed a rise in livestock theft.
The Police noted that Nakasongola, Luweero, Masindi, Ssembabule and Nakaseke districts were the most affected.
Nabakooba, who was flanked by the rapid unit chief, David Magara, said Zziwa Ranchers in Nakasongola and Royal Ranchers in Masindi district were among the victims.
Magara said of the 20 suspects, 12 had been charged in court, while the remaining eight were paraded before journalists in Kireka yesterday.
Those paraded were Sam Ssekiku, Charles Ngoroko, David Kakuru, Nduru Karebo, Moses Kato, Fred Namanya, David Bashumura and Festo Lubega.
Also recovered were 75 identification tags, which the Police said were fixed on the stolen cows before they were slaughtered.
Magara said Kampala was the main destination for the stolen animals.
“They are rounded up, transported and slaughtered in the night,†Magara said, adding that the 70 recovered head of cattle were returned to owners.
“Anybody found selling stolen meat will be treated as an accomplice.â€
Magara said the suspects possessed guns, which they used to intimidate victims.
The goats were recovered from Joel Mpiima and Donozio Ssesazi, who had allegedly packed them in the seats of a saloon car on April 1 in Kampala.
Security arrested them following a tip-off. The goats were handed over to the owners yesterday.
In another operation, the Police recovered a gun and arrested three men in connection with a robbery at Mulago on April 2. Moses Kiiza, Robert Ssebizamu and Isaac Ssenyimba were picked from Kyebando, Kampala.
Deputy Police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba yesterday said the operations conducted by the Rapid Response Unit followed a rise in livestock theft.
The Police noted that Nakasongola, Luweero, Masindi, Ssembabule and Nakaseke districts were the most affected.
Nabakooba, who was flanked by the rapid unit chief, David Magara, said Zziwa Ranchers in Nakasongola and Royal Ranchers in Masindi district were among the victims.
Magara said of the 20 suspects, 12 had been charged in court, while the remaining eight were paraded before journalists in Kireka yesterday.
Those paraded were Sam Ssekiku, Charles Ngoroko, David Kakuru, Nduru Karebo, Moses Kato, Fred Namanya, David Bashumura and Festo Lubega.
Also recovered were 75 identification tags, which the Police said were fixed on the stolen cows before they were slaughtered.
Magara said Kampala was the main destination for the stolen animals.
“They are rounded up, transported and slaughtered in the night,†Magara said, adding that the 70 recovered head of cattle were returned to owners.
“Anybody found selling stolen meat will be treated as an accomplice.â€
Magara said the suspects possessed guns, which they used to intimidate victims.
The goats were recovered from Joel Mpiima and Donozio Ssesazi, who had allegedly packed them in the seats of a saloon car on April 1 in Kampala.
Security arrested them following a tip-off. The goats were handed over to the owners yesterday.
In another operation, the Police recovered a gun and arrested three men in connection with a robbery at Mulago on April 2. Moses Kiiza, Robert Ssebizamu and Isaac Ssenyimba were picked from Kyebando, Kampala.