Police officers, Crime preventer arrested over staging illegal roadblocks to extort money

The police patrol vehicle which the suspects have been using to put up illegal road blocks before extorting money from unsuspecting motorists along Mbale-Sironko-Bulambuli, road parked at Mbale central police station. Photo by Yahudu Kitunzi

What you need to know:

  • Police say the suspects were arrested after concerned taxi drivers reported the matter to police.
  • The RDC, Mr Moses Wamoto Kigayi said the suspects must face the law.

Police in Mbale District have arrested two police officers and a crime preventer on allegations of mounting illegal road blocks to extort money from motorists.

The Elgon region police spokesperson, Mr Suwed Manshur said the suspects were arrested after concerned taxi drivers reported the matter to police.

“The drivers became suspicious and reported the matter to Elgon traffic commander, ASP Godfrey Mwesigye, who later arrested them,” he said.

Mr Manshur said the suspects were using a Police patrol vehicle Reg No UP 5768 attached to Sironko central police station and were also armed with and AK47.

“We have impounded the patrol vehicle and parked it at Mbale central police station pending investigations,” said Mr Manshur.

It’s reported that the suspects were arrested along Mbale-Sironko-Bulambuli road near Sironko River, were they had a staged the road block.

He identified the suspects as Corporal Sanely Onjangole, Simon Gimei, a crime preventer and another police officer, who has not yet been identified. Both police officers are attached to Sironko central police station.

He said the suspects, who are detained at Mbale central police station will be charged with irregular conduct and abuse of office under police standing order.

According to Police, Cpl Onjangole was the one commanding the illegal check points as the crime preventer was in-charge of receiving the money.

The Elgon Region Traffic Officer, Godfrey Mwesigye, said the suspects were found extorting money.

“What shocked me is that they were using a police patrol vehicle and they were armed. I disarmed them and ordered for their arrest,” he said.

The RDC, Mr Moses Wamoto Kigayi said the suspects must face the law.

“Corruption is against the principal of service delivery. Every time you harass Ugandans over a brib, it means you’re destroying the image of the government,” Mr Wamoto, said.

Mr Wamoto who also heads district security committee advised civil servants to be contented with the salary they get.

The National Deputy crime preventer Forum, Mr Brian Mauso condemned the act, saying as crime preventer they must be professional.

“Our work is to give intelligence information to police but not conduct operation,” he said.

Mr Jimmy Chemoi, one of the taxi driver said they had suffered for long.

“We want the suspects penalised for the misconduct because we are tired of fake road blocks and demands,” he said.