Police nets man who buys phones snatched from people

Police have netted a notorious phone thief in Kampala and the person who shops the phones from him.

The phone thief identified as Ashiraf Kivumbi was arrested on Wednesday after CCTV cameras spotted him snatching a mobile phone from a one Fred Katsinzi who was driving a Toyota  Harrier near Bible House, along Bombo Road.

Kivumbi was tailed by police officers following CCTV cameras before being intercepted at his hideout and consequently arrested.

Upon interrogation, Kivumbi said he snatches phones from people and sells them to a ready market provided by a colleague he only identified as Baker, alias Buuba.

“He is renowned phone snatcher on Bombo Road, Gadaffi Road, Kiseeka and Old Kampala.

After arrest, we dug-out his history and found out that he had several criminal cases on which he was arrested and convicted.  After serving his sentences, he returns and continues with the thefts,” a statement from Kampala Metropolitan Police reads in part.

“Today (Wednesday), he led us to one Baker alias Buuba whom he claims buys stolen mobile phones. Baker alias Buuba, who often hangs around E-Zone in Kasubi, has been arrested as investigations continue.

Both suspects face charges of theft, aggravated robbery and being in possession of stolen property. They are currently detained at Wandegeya Police Station.

Police attributed the arrest of both suspects on the CCTV cameras and foot patrol officers.

Meanwhile, Kivumbi is also accused with others of attacking a Chinese national identified as Yuquang Wei on the May 26, 2019 on Bombo Road.

“They broke his arm and injured his nose before robbing his property and money.

Kivumbi was identified by an officer, who responded to the attack, but he was able to evade arrest,” police claim.