By Weswa Ronnie
JINJA
Kiira Regional Police Command has intensified intelligence-led operations against a criminal network targeting Madhvani sugarcane suppliers.
Regional Police Commander Kiira Region, SSP Charles Nsaba, had instructed commanders to step up efforts to protect Madhvani sugarcane suppliers and the entire workforce from financial losses, physical or psychological harm. Following the instructions, DPC Kiira East Division (Kakira), SP Tai Ramathan, intensified tracking of all persons involved in the syndicate.
He says the suspects reportedly target Madhvani sugarcane suppliers after they make substantial withdrawals from Tropical Bank located within the headquarters premises of the Madhvani Group in Jinja District.They allegedly lie in wait, attack and rob the suppliers and sometimes cause grievous harm to the victims.
Five prime suspects have been apprehended. Police said they originate from Seeta, Mukono and use motorcycles to facilitate their movements and planned escapes. Two motorcycles have been impounded.
The RPC adds that the suspects are Marvin Ntalo, who does the coordination role on phone calls, Wilber Kairugavu, a motorcycle rider, Alex Kibuuka and his girlfriend Margaret Nabirye, a campus student, and lastly Ali Hasasha, a boda boda rider.
James Mubi, the public relations officer Kiira Region says, Marvin Ntalo, Wilber Kairugavu and Alex Kibuuka are mainly based in Seeta, Mukono. They base from there to identify, carry out surveillance, coordinate accomplices and make attacks on potential victims around banking premises in the country.
He says more suspects on the intelligence wanted list are yet to be arrested. Madhvani sugarcane suppliers and other workers have expressed gratitude towards Kiira Region police command for restoring order and arresting suspects who have been terrorizing suppliers around the premises of Tropical Bank.
Mubi called upon the public to report all suspicious persons and activities within their communities and urged the Tropical Bank manager to take full charge of their banking compound, which is purportedly harbouring wrong elements who occupy the compound from 8am to 6pm without proper identification and purpose.
