The circumstances surrounding the death of one of their officers, who was allegedly shot by the robbers he was pursuing, are being looked into by police in the Ugandan district of Kassanda.
At around 5:40 p.m. on Monday, Kiganda police station employee Cpl Joseph Olaya was shot.
According to a police statement, Cpl. Oloya was hunting down three armed robbers who had just robbed a soda depot and a mobile money store in the neighbouring Mubende District.
“The territorial police in Kassanda are actively investigating an aggravated robbery and murder by shooting that occurred at Kyakitanga Village Manyogaseka Sub-county in the Kassanda District,” reads part of the statement issued by Wamala region police spokesperson, Ms Racheal Kawala.
Police reported that Bonani Janvier Fils is the owner of the soda depot and mobile money shop in Kalongo, Mubende District.
The police officer’s magazine was taken by the robbers, but they reportedly left the gun behind and fled the scene on a motorcycle.
Oloya passed away while being transported for treatment to the regional referral hospital in Mubende.
Police Crime Intelligence, under the direction of DPC Kassanda, visited the crime scene and recorded pertinent statements to support investigations.
A motorcycle with the registration number UDX 755C Bajaj boxer red in colour and believed to belong to the suspects has been found as the police continue their search for the alleged robbers, who are still at large.
The Kassanda RDC, Ms. Phoebe Namulindwa, reports a recent spike in armed robbery incidents in the district.
“It is unfortunate that we have lost our police officer in pursuit of the armed thugs but security is on alert and the assailants will be apprehended. I extend my condolences to the family of the deceased and the government of Uganda for the loss of our dedicated officer,” she said.
The leaders claim that a number of armed robberies have recently been reported in Kassanda, including robberies that occurred in the Nalutuntu Subcounty two weeks ago.
Since June 13, gunmen have been attacking mobile money shops and bank agents on a daily basis, according to reports from the police in various parts of the nation.
A statement by police spokesperson Fred Enanga on June 19 indicated that “the nature of the attacks are follow-home and front-gate attacks and physical/direct attacks at the premises, and while in transit to and from the banks. This calls for vigilance, alteration of routine patterns, target hardening in the form of guards and escort services, and a reduction or avoidance of late night movements.”
Significant thefts have been reported in Yumbe District, Kyengera Town Council, Gulu City, Kyankwanzi district, and Kampala, in Nansana and Bweyogerere. Gunmen on motorcycles are always involved in the attacks.