Police impound taxi used in city kidnaps, robbery
A detective said CCTV footage at Old Taxi has severally captured the taxi parked outside the park especially during rush hours in the evening. Courtesy photo
What you need to know:
At least 80 cases of kidnaps have been registered across the country whereby 10 people have been killed, 40 were self-kidnaps while 30 were rescued by police
KAMPALA.
Police in Kampala have impounded a taxi that has allegedly been used in several city kidnaps and robberies in the last few months.
The public service minibus currently parked at Kampala Central Police Station (CPS) was allegedly used in the kidnap and subsequent murder of Brinah Nalule, 19, who was a student of YMCA Buwambo campus, in Wakiso District.
Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, confirmed that the taxi registration number UAU 122U, was impounded after several months of hunt.
“We have impounded this taxi and it's being investigated for allegedly being used in several crimes. We cannot conclude now that it was used in kidnaps and robberies but there are several complaints registered with us,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.
An investigator said the vehicle’s hunt was ignited by reports of it being used in heinous crimes such as kidnaps and robberies by criminals using rudimentary weapons.
“The day Nalule went missing at Old Taxi Park, this taxi was sighted there yet its picture was already being circulated on social media. We suspect it could have been used to kidnap her since she was searching for taxi to take her back to hostel,” a detective said.
Nalule was kidnapped on May 5 at Old Taxi Park as she searched for vehicles to take her back to the hostel. Her body was found dumped in Mutundwe in a pigsty after her parents based in Buikwe failed to raise a Shs10m ransom. Police and army launched a hunt for the killers whereby several people including a witch doctor were arrested and have since been charged.
Asked on whether there are people who have ever fallen victim of rogues moving in the taxi and ready to testify, Mr Owoyesigyire said they were still hunting for the suspects.
“We impounded the vehicle but the suspects escaped and we are looking for them. We are calling upon whoever has ever been victimized in this taxi to come and record a statement with us,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.
A detective said CCTV footage at Old Taxi has severally captured the taxi parked outside the park especially during rush hours in the evening but it takes loads passengers.
He added that there are always some people inside the minibus and it often sets off once one or two passengers get inside.
At least 80 cases of kidnaps have been registered across the country whereby 10 people have been killed, 40 were self-kidnaps while 30 were rescued by police.
