Two suspects, Jonah Semusu and Shakul Balika, have confessed to a spree of stabbings and robberies targeting pedestrians and motorcycle passengers across several areas in Kampala over the past six weeks.
According to their statements, Semusu and Balika admitted to using machetes and knives during their criminal activities in Nateete, Ndeeba, Busega, Kyengera, Namungoona, and Nsangi. They operated using a Bajaj boxer motorcycle with registration UFV 060H.
Semusu described their modus operandi, recounting an incident in Nateete where Balika stabbed a resisting victim in the cheek during a robbery attempt last weekend. He claimed that Balika was the one holding the weapons while he drove the motorcycle.
However, Balika denied Semusu’s accusations, alleging that Semusu was the primary perpetrator and had taught him how to stab people who resisted their robberies. He described Semusu as the senior member of their criminal duo, familiar with the areas and tactics used.
Upon their arrest by the Flying Squad Unit (FSU) in collaboration with Nateete police division, detectives took Semusu and Balika to reconstruct the scenes of their crimes. Semusu led them to his rented house where he kept the machetes hidden inside a sofa when not in use.
Police had noticed a pattern of early morning and late evening robberies, particularly in Nateete and Busega, throughout May and June. Semusu and Balika have so far reconstructed seven crime scenes, with plans to visit more locations along Masaka road.
The suspects’ activities were partially uncovered through CCTV footage along major routes. Several victims are still undergoing treatment for injuries inflicted during the robberies.
Semusu explained his role as the motorcycle rider during the crimes, assisting Balika when victims resisted. He claimed they had avoided police detection despite suspicions of being trailed by patrol vehicles.
Jackson Musoga, a victim, recounted being robbed last month with his girlfriend by two men who stole their belongings without physical harm.
Due to Semusu and Balika’s admission of involvement in over 20 stabbing robberies, police are coordinating with multiple divisions including Katwe, Old Kampala, Nsangi, Bulenga, CPS Kampala, and Kawempe to determine if similar cases are linked to the duo.
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