Power Thief Nabbed Red Handed on Electricity Pole

suspected electricity vandal is nursing injuries after angry residents of Nawangiri Village in Butayunja Sub-county, Mityana District, caught him allegedly cutting power transmission wires in a late-night operation.

The dramatic incident happened on June 21 when vigilant residents reportedly spotted two men tampering with electricity infrastructure in their area.

According to Wamala Regional Police spokesperson SSP Rachael Kigozi, one of the suspects was on top of an electricity pole cutting wires while his accomplice remained on the ground.

When residents raised an alarm and moved in, the suspect on the ground fled the scene while the one atop the pole was surrounded, arrested and assaulted by members of the public.

Police officers from Butayunja Police Station led by Sgt Opio rushed to the scene and rescued the suspect from the mob before taking him into custody.

Police recovered several exhibits including cut electric wires whose length is yet to be established, a red Bajaj motorcycle registration number UMA 413DC, a black tool bag containing a hammer, scissors, spanners and axle blades, as well as a reflective overall believed to have been used during the operation.

The second suspect remains on the run and a manhunt has been launched to track him down.

Police have withheld the identity of the arrested suspect to avoid jeopardising ongoing investigations.

SSP Kigozi praised residents for their vigilance and quick response, saying their actions helped prevent further destruction of electricity infrastructure in the area.

She however cautioned the public against taking the law into their own hands and urged residents to hand suspects over to police whenever they are arrested.

Investigations into the attempted vandalism are ongoing.

Read Next Article