KAMPALA, UGANDA: At least one person was killed, several others injured and millions stolen in two separate incidents of aggravated robberies by criminal gangs targeting fuel stations in the country, police has said.
While addressing Journalists on Tuesday, Police Spokesperson CP Fred Enanga said the robbers either disguise as clients branching out to refuel their vehicles, then round up the private security guards and other staff on the night shift, before robbing them.
He added that the thugs also tend to carry out direct attacks on workers at these fuel stations deep in the night, especially between 1-4 am, while armed with weapons.
“For instance, on April 28, 2022, at around 1 am, Total Fuel Station, Semuto Branch, in Nakaseke District, was raided by 5 suspects armed with guns and iron bars,” Enanga said, adding that the said gang rounded up all the guards and staff and tied them up before breaking into the offices, where they robbed all the money in the safe.
“In addition, they stole goods and commodities from the supermarket which they boldly loaded into a waiting motor vehicle.
Enanga explains that the suspects also robbed a motorcycle bajaj boxer, registration number UDM 829F, ridden by Sembajjwe Charles, who had branched for fuel. They seriously beat him and robbed his motorcycle, “he said.
In the second incident, a group of thugs attacked Seka Energy petrol station in Kayunga at 2 am on April 30. The thugs are said to have attacked and killed a private security guard, identified as Waiswa John, aged 36.
His colleague Kasonga Suleiman, aged 37, was tied with ropes and left unconscious. He was rushed to Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital for further treatment.
“The thugs also vandalized two motor vehicles that were parked at the petrol station,” said Enanga.
The police have ordered all supervisors of private security organizations to increase their level of inspections, at all guard points to help enhance the levels of alertness.
“The fact that most guards fall victim during these attacks, at fuel stations is proof of low levels of vigilance and alertness at their guard points,” he said.
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