Kabale Residents Up in Arms Over Police Allegedly Extorting Money for CCTV Footage
A wave of anger washes over Kabale, Uganda, as residents accuse the police of extorting money for access to CCTV footage. This allegation comes amidst a rise in crimes, particularly attacks by machete-wielding gangs, near areas monitored by CCTV cameras.
The public's trust is shaken. Victims seeking footage from crime scenes claim police officers demand bribes (around 400,000 Ugandan shillings) instead of offering assistance. Adding fuel to the fire, malfunctioning cameras and limited electricity supply further hamper surveillance efforts.
The lack of public awareness regarding CCTV usage deepens the frustration. Residents like Robert Kakuru call for free access to footage for investigations, highlighting the cameras' potential as a vital tool in fighting crime.
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Elly Maate, the police spokesperson, attempts to quell the anger. He clarifies the official procedure for accessing footage, emphasizing the need for a police report and a CID request. While acknowledging technical limitations due to power outages and network issues, Maate strongly condemns the alleged extortion and urges citizens to report such incidents.
Kabale grapples with a two-pronged challenge: ensuring ethical police conduct and maximizing the effectiveness of CCTV surveillance. Rebuilding public trust and addressing technical limitations are crucial steps towards a safer Kabale.
