Night Patrol Nets Suspect as Kazo Residents Decry Rising Theft

Residents of Kazo Central in Nansana Municipality mounted a night patrol that led to the arrest of a suspected thief in the early hours of today, following a surge in criminal activity in the area.

The operation, conducted at around 1:00 a.m., was led by the Local Council One (LC1) security committee under chairperson Nathan Bogere, also known as Pakacha.

The team intercepted four suspected thieves who were allegedly attempting to break into shops by cutting through iron sheets.

“We found them in the act of cutting iron sheets on the shops to gain entry and steal property,” Bogere said.

On noticing the patrol team, three of the suspects fled, while one identified as Akiram Tulyomwiso was captured.

During questioning, Akiram reportedly admitted that the group had earlier broken into nearby restaurants, where they forced open doors and stole various items.

“Before coming to these shops, we had already broken into some eateries and taken whatever we found,” he told the committee, according to local leaders.

Bogere further revealed that the suspect is not a resident of Kazo.

“He told us he comes from Bwaise, Katoogo Zone. He is not known in this village,” he said.

Despite being apprehended at the scene, Akiram denied involvement in theft, claiming he had been searching for a woman identified as Aisha.

He pleaded for forgiveness and promised to reform.

“I was just looking for someone. I am not a thief. Forgive me, I will not repeat this,” the suspect reportedly said.

However, Bogere dismissed the claims, insisting the suspect would face the law.

“We cannot tolerate such behavior. He must answer for these crimes, and we are handing him over to police as we continue pursuing his accomplices,” he stated.

Angry residents who gathered at the scene expressed concern over increasing theft, saying it has disrupted their livelihoods and slowed development in the area.

“These thieves don’t let us sleep. They keep stealing what we work hard for, and it is affecting our progress,” one resident lamented.

The LC1 chairperson urged locals to strengthen security around their homes and businesses by installing stronger locks and remaining vigilant.

“Residents must secure their property properly and avoid using weak locks that make it easy for criminals,” Bogere advised.

He also called on parents to take responsibility for their children, particularly those involved in criminal activities.

“Parents should report children they know are engaging in crime so that we can work with authorities to address this problem,” he added.

The suspect was taken to Kawempe Police Station, where investigations are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to track down the other suspects who escaped.