11 suspected thugs arrested in Gulu town

Gulu/Kitgum- At least 11 people suspected to be members of a notorious street gang in Gulu Municipality have been arrested in an impromptu operation.

The suspects were arrested from their hideouts on Keyo Road, Pece Division, in an operation conducted by both local leaders and the police.

Mr Jimmy Patrick Okema, the Aswa River region police spokesperson, on Monday said the suspects were found in possession of several stolen property and tools suspected to be used for breaking into houses.
He said some of the suspects are minors.

“Some suspects have confided in us how they have a ‘sponsor’ who facilitates their activities and offers them accommodation (where we got them) and buys the stolen stuff,” Mr Okema said.

“We are pursuing him (the alleged sponsor) and also planning to storm his two shops and conduct a thorough search,” he added.
Mr Okema said the suspects are being detained at Gulu Central Police Station pending ongoing investigation before they are arraigned in court.
The arrests come in the wake of increased organised criminal activities in the area.
The most affected areas are Layibi A and B villages in Tegwana Parish, Nakasero Village in Labourline Parish, all in Pece Division, where more than six motorcycles have been stolen in the last two months.

Mr Kelly Komakech, the division chairperson, said they have always been frustrated by police for releasing suspects that have been arrested, prompting increase in crimes.

“The police have weak investigations and they sometimes release hardcore criminals whom we have arrested. These are the same people who come back to terrorise locals,” Mr Komakech said.

Meanwhile, police in Kitgum District are holding 13 suspected livestock rustlers believed to have made an incursion from Kaabong District into Orom Sub-county in Kitgum.

Mr Quirino Olum, the Orom chairperson, said the suspects were found with six cows, 200 goats and sheep that were stolen from Latorore and Nakwanya villages at the weekend.

Mr Christopher Omara, the Resident District Commissioner, said the suspects are in police custody.

“I commend the locals for showing a good gesture in recovering the raided animals, and apprehending the suspects,’’ he said.

Authorities from Kotido and Kaabong districts are expected to meet to find a way to end the persistent livestock theft.

Mr John Bosco Ocen, a resident of Nakwanya, who lost 15 goats earlier this month, said livestock theft has affected their livelihood since they use the animals for ploughing while the goats are sold to meet basic necessities.

“We are asking the government to compensate us for the lost animals since it has failed to provide security to keep the only source of livelihood we have,’’ he said.

The district police commander, Mr Moses Bwire, said the suspects will be taken to court.
Cattle rustling carried out by both armed South Sudanese rustlers and Karamojong is forcing many farmers to abandon livestock keeping.

At least 76 six head of cattle was stolen from Orom in February.

[email protected]