Kampala, (UG): The three assailants who robbed Robert Ponsiano Ssenyange, a businessman at Yesu Amala of his money and a mobile phone three days ago were carrying a toy pistol, police have said.
It is reported that the assailants were armed with what initially appeared to be a pistol and an SMG rifle but according to fresh details, it has now emerged that the suspects were carrying a toy pistol.
Police suspect that even the SMG might also have been a toy gun.
Mr Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson yesterday said that the businessman had previously reported to police how he was ambushed and robbed by three individuals dressed in security camouflage as he left his workplace.
“They were dressed in military camouflage. They pointed a pistol and another gun at me. They told me to choose between death and surrendering everything in my possession. They took my SH850,000 and a Samsung telephone,” Ssenyange told police over the weekend.
He reportedly raised an alarm as the assailants fled, which drew the attention of locals. They pursued the suspects, eventually forcing them to abandon their vehicle on the roadside and flee to safety. This was impounded by police as the search for the suspects continued.
According to Mr Owoyesigyire, one suspect arrested identified as Musa Muwonge led police to the place where he had hidden the alleged gun used during the robbery, and it was confirmed to be a toy pistol.
“It was not a real gun. It is what we have been using with my colleagues. We have never held an actual gun. My colleagues fled, and I don’t know where they are now,” Muwonge reportedly told police detectives.
The victim (Ssenyange) was also subsequently invited to the Nansana Municipality police division to identify the suspect, which he was able to do.
He also confirmed the features of the guns that were pointed at him, and the police confirmed that the toy pistol was one of them.
“While Ssenyange hasn’t recovered his Shillings 850,000 and the Samsung mobile phone, which are suspected to have been taken by the other two suspects, he expressed his gratitude to the locals who came to his aid swiftly,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.
“If the locals had not responded quickly, I wouldn’t have succeeded in identifying these robbers. At least their vehicle is impounded, and we will determine who it actually belongs to. I am grateful to the locals for their swift response,” he added.
Meanwhile, police said that they have initiated a search for the remaining suspects to ensure they face prosecution for robbery, as the suspect, now in custody will is interrogated to reveal his accomplices.
“We urge people to remain vigilant and make phone calls for emergencies. We thank the vigilant neighbours who responded. We will provide more information,” Mr Owoyesigyire said.
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