Police in Kasese Municipality have arrested 47 suspected criminals during an intelligence-led operation targeting gangs accused of fuelling a recent surge in robberies, burglaries and theft.
The Saturday evening operation was conducted in Nyakasanga, Kisanga, Kidodo and Majengo cells within Kasese Municipality. The crackdown was supervised by the Kasese District Police Commander, SP Hassan Hiwumbire, and led by the Officer-in-Charge of Nyakasanga Police Station, ASP Lukol.
Rwenzori East Regional Police spokesperson ASP Elly Maate said the operation followed increasing complaints from residents over rising crime in the municipality.
According to police, investigations indicated that criminal gangs, popularly known as the “Gazz Group,” had regrouped and were allegedly involved in robberies, house break-ins, theft and snatching bags from pedestrians travelling at night.
Police said the suspects are expected to face charges including common nuisance and possession of opium, subject to ongoing screening and investigations.
Maate said the operation forms part of a wider campaign to dismantle criminal gangs and restore public confidence in security. Police have urged residents to continue cooperating with law enforcement by reporting suspicious individuals and criminal activity, adding that similar operations will continue across Kasese Municipality. URN