13 arrested over Stealing coffee beans
Authorities in Rubindi-Ruhumba Town Council in Mbarara district have arrested 13 individuals suspected of orchestrating a series of coffee theft in the area. The arrests occurred on Tuesday following a crucial tip-off from local residents concerned about the rising number of thieves affecting local farmers.
According to Mayor Francis Karugaba, the suspects were apprehended in the Karweshanga and Kabale wards of the town council. The region has recently seen an alarming increase in coffee theft incidents prompting heightened vigilance among the community and local authorities.
Mayor Karugaba disclosed that the suspects had been employing deceptive tactics to evade law enforcement by transporting the stolen coffee beans in inconspicuous items such as laptop bags and milking cans. This strategy allowed them to blend in and avoid immediate detection while carrying out their illicit activities.
The Mayor commended the cooperation of residents in reporting suspicious activities which played a vital role in bringing the suspects to justice. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in combating crime particularly as coffee theft poses a significant threat to the livelihoods of many farmers in the region.
As investigations continue, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any further suspicious activities. The arrests signal a firm commitment to addressing and reducing crime related to agricultural theft, crucial for the economic stability of the community.
