Three remanded for stealing REA cable wires

JUSTICE | THEFT

Three men have been remanded to Kitalya Prison in Wakiso district for allegedly stealing 10 roles of cable wires worth over sh6.7m, belonging to Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Appearing in court on Wednesday, Thomas Bwambale alias Mumbere, 24, John Lukwago, 24, and Yonnah Mulisa, 20 were charged with three counts of store breaking, theft, and conspiracy to commit a felony.

Buganda Road Court Grade One Magistrate Marion Mangeni read them the charges, which they all denied.

The offences contravene section 254 (I), 261, and 297 (a) of the Penal Code Act and each carries a maximum sentence of seven and 10 years imprisonment, respectively, upon conviction.

The accused respectively reside at Mengo Zone VIII in Wakiso, Mawanda Zone, Kamwokya, and Kyebando-Kisalosalo Zone in Kampala district.

On denying the charges, the state prosecutor Ivan Kyazze informed the court that inquiries regarding the case are complete.

"Your honour, investigations are complete, we, therefore, pray for a hearing date," Kyazze said.

However, the accused pleaded to the court to grant them bail saying they had substantial sureties.

"Your worship, be pleased and grant us a non-cash bail, we are innocent and have families to look after," Bwambale pleaded.

Another suspect, Lukwago told the court that he was looking for a living in order to feed his wife and child who are now left with no one to look after if he's imprisoned.

"I did not intend to commit the offence but only looking for survival. My family is in danger and will die of hunger if I am remanded, please be merciful for the sake of my nine months baby," Lukwago lamented.

It is then that the Magistrate cautioned them on whether they had understood the charges as read to them.

In reply, the accused admitted having understood the charges and insisted that they did not commit the alleged offences.

When given chance to present their sureties, the court declined to grant them bail because their collaterals had no introduction letters and national identity cards which are essential requirements when applying for bail.

"Since your sureties have no required court documents, I remand you until May 20, 2020, when your case will resume for hearing and bail application," Mangeni ruled as she adjourned the case.

The prosecution asserts that on April 21, 2020, at plot 10 Windsor Loop, Kololo in Kampala district, the accused stole roles of cable wires worth over sh6.7m, the property of REA.

It is alleged that the trio did break and enter into the store of House of Hope with intent to commit a felony.

The accused also conspired together to commit a felony to wit to steal ten roles of cable wires.