Two netted in Sheema over vandalized electricity cables

The police in Sheema District have netted two people accused of vandalizing electricity cables in Sheema municipality. 

The suspects are Kanzira Owen 29, a resident of Nyabikyerere cell, Nyabikyerere ward, Central division, Bushenyi-Ishaka municipality and Austin Mamara 28, a boda boda rider who lived in Nyakashambya ward, Kabwohe division in Sheema municipality.

The cables belong to Kilembe Investments limited a public electricity company licensed by Electricity Regulatory Authority to distribute and sale power to rural areas in the six districts of Kasese, Rubirizi, Sheema, Bushenyi, Buhweju and Mitooma in western Uganda.

Last year, Uganda police announced that persons netted in possession of vandalized Electric equipment will face murder and terrorism charges in courts of law. This according to police will act as a deterrent against destruction of national infrastructure.

On Friday, February 2, 2024, ASP Consilata Kasule, the Sheema district police commander told New Vison online that at the time of arrest, the suspects were in possession of 300 metres of Solidal electric wire.

“We got information from the management of Kilembe Investments limited that their wires had been withdrawn from the power line affecting power supply to the communities. A sniffer dog was taken to the scene of crime that moved from the scene of crime to where the culprits were arrested with the wires and other electricity accessories they had been vandalising”, said ASP Kasule.

Jane Birungi Masika, The Kilembe Investments limited chief executive officer said in a telephone interview that the company had on a number of occasions suffered thefts of expensive equipment such as of transformers, wires, cables, and meters.

The suspects are currently detained at Sheema central police station awaiting to be aligned before courts laws to answer the charges.

source: “https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/news/two-netted-in-sheema-over-vandalized-electric-NV_180337”