Mbale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | In Mbale City, the police have apprehended a man suspected to be the ringleader behind the theft of motor vehicle number plates in the city and its environs. The suspect Abdullah Manira,36, was captured at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. He was lured there under the pretense that his wife had been admitted.
Manira, along with his accomplices, allegedly remove number plates from vehicles and demand between Shillings 100,000 to 500,000 from their victims for the return of the stolen plates. Rogers Taitika, the Elgon Region police spokesperson, revealed that the complaint leading to Manira’s arrest came from Adam Wachi of Nauyo in Industrial City.
Wachi reported the removal of his UBE 534P number plate from his Toyota Wish vehicle. Areas significantly affected by these thefts include Nauyo, Nakaloke, Namunsi, Bugema, Indian Quarters, and Nike Quarters. Manira has reportedly disclosed information about several others involved in the gang.
Taitika revealed that Manira had previously been rescued by Mbale Police from an enraged mob when caught stealing within Mbale City. Encouraging the public, Taitika emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents and advised against succumbing to the demands of criminals by sending them money. The suspect has been remanded to Malukhu Prison pending further proceedings.
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