Yet-to-be-identified thugs broke into Saidia Family Enterprises, a shop located in Euata Cell, Onzivu Ward, Ayivu East Division, Arua City, making off with more than Shs 34 million in cash and other valuables. The incident happened on June 23.
The break-in was discovered around 7:20 AM by the shop’s director, Judith Azakozu, who promptly alerted the police. Among the stolen money was group savings entrusted to Pizzharo Ogwal Lamechk, a banker and treasurer of Ecoma SACCO, following a SACCO meeting held at the shop the previous day.
The thieves also made away with two mobile phones and various items of merchandise. By the time police, including a canine unit, arrived at the scene between 8:30 and 10:00 AM, the crime scene had been compromised, making it difficult for investigators to gather clear evidence.
Preliminary findings indicate that the intruders accessed the premises by forcibly removing the burglar-proof bars on one of the shop’s windows. At the time of the incident, the shop had no security guard on duty and lacked surveillance cameras.
Superintendent of Police Collins Asea, the West Nile Region Police spokesperson, confirmed that investigations are underway and urged members of the public to come forward with any information that might lead to the arrest of the suspects.
“We urge business owners to take precautionary measures, such as installing CCTV cameras and hiring security personnel, especially when safeguarding large sums of money overnight,” SP Asea said.
Police have pledged to intensify efforts to track down those responsible and bring them to justice.
