Driver, 2 others arrested for robbing passengers in taxis

Police in Kireka have arrested three people including a driver for allegedly robbing passengers in taxis along the Kampala Northern bypass.

According to police, one Brian Mukisa, a resident of Kireka boarded a taxi UBB 408U on his way to Kyambogo University chapel for prayers but mid- way the journey, the driver asked him to firmly close the door of the vehicle as the conductor stealthily picked money from his laptop bag.

The duo would later claim the taxi had got mechanical problems in Banda stage and the victim was asked to get another taxi or get other means to take him to his destination.

On reaching his destination, according to police, when the victim reached out for pocket change to pay the boda boda rider he realized his money was missing was informed he had been robbed by the taxi he had boarded prompting him to report to the nearby police post.

According to the Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire, a case of theft was opened and with the help from the public, police was able to follow the given leads and apprehend the suspects from the Northern by pass where they awaited for passengers.

“We were able to arrest Simeo Sebulibe 39, Emmanuel Kabanda 38 and Yunus Oryema 29 who are currently detained at Kireka police,”Owoyesigyire said.

“We caution passengers moving in public commercial vehicles to be observant and watch out for their property while travelling. Avoid moving with huge sums of money or otherwise guard it well.”

The police mouthpiece also urged the public to always report any incident to the nearest police post for redress.

A number of people have in the past reported cases of robbery especially while travelling in commuter taxis.

The robbers after carrying out their missions, according to victims, they pretend as if the vehicles have developed mechanical problems before forcing them out of the vehicles.