Kampala, (UG): The Police in Kampala Metropolitan North Division are holding a 28-year-old man identified as Steven Odongkara accused of robbing at Knifepoint from female victims he lures into a love relationship on Facebook.
Odongkara, an electrician and resident of Bulaga B in Wakiso District was arrested after his recent victim, a 27-yer-old Namiiro Jemima reported to police in November last year that she had been robbed on knifepoint by a man whom she had gone to meet on a date after becoming friends on Facebook.
“The KMP Crime Intelligence Division, in coordination with KMP North and Wakiso, have in custody, a one Odongkara Steven, a 28-year-old, electrician of Bulaga “B” village, Wakiso for a string of knife-point robberies, against female victims lured from Facebook,” Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson told journalists on Tuesday during a weekly press briefing.
According to Mr Enanga, facts gathered indicate that the suspect (Odongkara) and the female victim (Namiiro) met on the 14th of November, 2023, on Facebook and the two agreed to meet on a date, as boyfriend and girlfriend, at Kasasa Bulaga village,
“Along the way, while escorting each other, the suspect drew out a knife and stabbed the victim on the right hand, then grabbed her bag, and escaped from the scene,” Mr Enanga said explaining the circumstances of the incident.
He added; “The victim, a 27-year-old of Najjanankumbi reported the matter to police on the 22nd November, 2023, around 10:30 am, of simple robbery of her bag that contained cash 200,000 and cosmetics, by her Facebook boyfriend, later identified as Odongokara Steven.”
Police say an immediate search was conducted upon being arrested, and a knife was recovered from the suspect, who further admitted to luring girls and women on Facebook and robbing them.
“In this instance, the suspect admitted to robbing all victims after meeting them, following chats and conversations on Facebook. The victims were forced to surrender their bags, phones, and other valuables. In some of the incidents, the victims suffered knife injuries,” Enanga said.
He, therefore, warned girls and other persons interested in finding partners online to do so with caution and be selective of places they choose to meet their purported lovers.
“We would like to recommend safety tips to keep in mind when meeting someone online. It is good practice to meet at a public place with others around. It is also important to have a buddy system when going on dates. Tell a friend, whom you are going out with, photos and contacts,” Enanga warned.
“Do not go on a first date, when you are not around people. Either meet at a bar or restaurant. Other advanced arrangements can only take place after, know each other, very well.”
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