Police arrest 'fake beggar' on Kampala streets
Shafik Bakulu Mpagi was arrested by Mini Price Police officers on June 25, 2018 following a tip off from his close friend who saw him begging at the entrance of Mukwano Arcade with a faked amputated hand. COURTESY PHOTO
Police in Kampala say they have arrested a fake street beggar who has been asking for cash from unsuspecting passers-by.
Shafik Bakulu Mpagi was on Monday arrested by Mini Price Police officers following a tip off from his close friend who saw him begging at the entrance of Mukwano Arcade with a faked amputated hand.
Police reportedly rushed to the scene and ordered him to remove the clothes he had covered his hand with, leaving the crowd that had gathered around in shock.
Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Mr Luke Owoyesigyire said Mpagi has been covering his hand with dirty rugs faking to be amputated in order to get money from unsuspecting sympathizers.
"There are a number of people that pretend to be needy through begging on the streets just the same way Mr Mpagi has been doing and therefore, kind hearted and well-meaning people are in danger of being misled," Mr Owoyesigyire said, adding that “Police were responding to a spike in the number of fake beggars operating in the city.”
Police say Mpagi has been into the begging business for three months and was earning Shs20,000 everyday especially from areas of equatorial Mall and Mukwano Arcade.
“He attributed this act to joblessness,” Mr added.
Mpagi a resident of Kisenyi, Muzana Zone is currently detained at Mini Price Police Station and charged with public nuisance vide SD 21/24/06/2018.
