KAMPALA, Uganda (UGNEWSLINE) — Police have arrested two suspects over alleged phone snatching along Jinja Road in Kampala and recovered seven mobile phones believed to have been stolen from members of the public.
The suspects, identified as Jonathan Kato and Hassan Nyanzi, were arrested on October 11 at about 7:17pm near Lugogo traffic lights during an operation targeting phone snatchers operating along the busy road, particularly during peak hours.
Police also recovered a white Toyota Wish, registration number UBH 945R, which investigators suspect was being used as a hiding place for the stolen phones.
According to police, the operation followed a phone-tracking effort by one of the victims, which led officers to the vehicle. Kato reportedly admitted that he was the driver of the car.
The seven recovered phones, which are of different brands, together with the vehicle, have been exhibited as investigations continue.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects could also be connected to other related offences reported at Bugolobi Police Post, although investigations are still underway to establish their alleged involvement.
Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for Kampala Metropolitan Police, said the arrests were part of efforts to combat phone snatching and hold suspected offenders accountable.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant, keep their valuables secure and promptly report cases of phone snatching to the nearest police station.
Police continue to investigate the case as they seek to establish whether the suspects are linked to other incidents reported in Kampala.
The arrests come amid continued efforts by security agencies to address street crime and protect pedestrians and other road users from opportunistic theft.
