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Soroti, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The police in Soroti have arrested five members of a criminal gang suspected of terrorizing residents in the area.
Those arrested are Vincent Opolon, 68, Ronald Kato, 45, Isaac Opolon, 22, Peter Eyamu, 44, and Justine Opali. The group was arrested following the robbery of 68 million shillings from a businesswoman, Stella Apolot on October 11, 2022.
It is alleged that the thugs connived with a boda boda cyclist, Joseph Eligu to attack the victim who was carrying money in her handbag from home around 7:00 pm. Information from the police indicates that the victim had just picked money from her husband, Stephen Elobu who operates a business in Soroti town.
According to the East Kyoga Regional Police Spokesman Oscar Greg Ageca, the robbers were trailed through intelligence and arrested on Monday. The suspects were arrested in Kigandani cell, Kengere ward, Soroti City East Division with an AK 47 SMG riffle number AK47-31048. The police also recovered 35 rounds of live ammunition.
Ageca said that three other suspects only identified as Osege, Jude Ochieng, and Charles evaded arrest and are now on the run.
According to the police, in June, the gang also robbed another businesswoman of six million shillings, a key for a Bajaj motorcycle, and five mobile phones at Maroon quarters within Soroti city. Another case of robbery was reported in April in Kichinjaji ward where a businessman identified as Vigila Opejo was robbed of 15 million shillings from his home.
“Most of the suspects arrested are hardened criminals that include a convict who views the crime of robbery as a legitimate source of income. We strongly believe the arrests of these hardcore criminals will help restore some peace and sanity in the region. We pledge to continue with intelligence-led operations against violent armed gangs and their criminal network, who pose serious threats to safety and security in respective communities”, Ageca said in a statement.
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