Five arrested for robbing Soroti city residents of millions of shillings

Those arrested are Vincent Opolon, 68, Ronald Kato, 45, Isaac Opolon, 22, Peter Eyamu, 44, and Justine Opali. The group was arrested after the theft of 68 million shillings from a businesswoman, Stella Apolot, on October 11, 2022.

Allegedly in cahoots with a boda boda cyclist Joseph Eligu, the five attacked Apolot, who was carrying money in her handbag while coming from her home around 7:00 pm. She had reportedly just picked the money from her husband, Stephen Elobu, who operates a business in Soroti town.

According to the East Kyoga Regional Police Spokesman Oscar Greg Ageca, the suspected robbers were arrested on Monday. They were arrested in Kigandani cell, Kengere ward, Soroti City East Division with an AK 47 SMG riffle number AK47-31048. The police also recovered 35 rounds of live ammunition.

Ageca said that three other suspects only identified as Osege, Jude Ochieng, and Charles are on the run after evading arrest.

According to the police, in June, the gang also allegedly robbed another businesswoman of six million shillings, a key for a Bajaj motorcycle, and five mobile phones at Maroon quarters in Soroti city.

Another case of robbery was reported in April in Kichinjaji ward where a businessman identified as Vigila Opejo was robbed of 15 million shillings from his home.

“Most of the suspects arrested are hardened criminals that include a convict who views the crime of robbery as a legitimate source of income. We strongly believe the arrests of these hardcore criminals will help restore some peace and sanity in the region. We pledge to continue with intelligence-led operations against violent armed gangs and their criminal network, who pose serious threats to safety and security in respective communities”, Ageca said in a statement.

The five shall be produced and charged in court before having the proverbial book thrown at them.