THE Police in Kibaale are holding a traffic officer, attached to Nsambya Police Station in Kampala, for allegedly staging an illegal roadblock and extorting money from unsuspecting motorists.
The district investigations officer, Michael Ogwal, identifed the policeman as Innocent Byaruhanga.
Byaruhanga was arrested on Thursday in Kyaterekera trading centre in Mpeefu sub-county by residents and Azizi Kabagambe, a driver and mechanic in Kagadi town.
Kabagambe said he became suspicious because Byaruhanga was dressed in the old green and white traffic uniform instead of the new all white one and was stopping every vehicle on the road, even those that followed all traffic regulations.
“We arrested the policeman and handed him over to the Police for further action,†Kabagambe added.
It is alleged that Byaruhanga collected money from motorists whose vehicles were in dangerous mechanical condition and motorcycles that did not have registration number plates, promising not to arrest them.
Byaruhanga denied all charges and was detained at Kibaale Police Station.
Ogwal said the Police were investigating the case and the suspect would be taken to court and charged.
“Byaruhanga will be charged with staging an illegal roadblock, impersonation and extortion when investigations are completed,†Ogwal said.
Traffic cop held over illegal roadblock
