MBALE – Police in Mbale District have arrested 10 suspects in connection with the death of the police officer, who was shot during a gunfire exchange with suspected armed robbers.
D/Sgt Fred Chemonges was killed and three other police officers sustained serious injuries last week during the shootout at Nabumali trading centre in Nabumali Town Council.
The injured are currently receiving medication at Mbale referral hospital.
The Elgon Region Police Spokesperson, Mr. Robert Tukei confirmed the arrest and said the suspects were arrested during an operation headed by Police’s Flying squad operatives on Saturday.
“The suspects were arrested to help with the investigations,” Mr. Tukei, said.
Mr. Tukei said the suspects were briefly detained at Mbale central Police station before they were transferred to Kampala.
He said among the suspects, is a clinical officer in Mbale town who treated one of the thugs in his clinic without informing police.
“The robber who was injured was rushed to a clinic on Kumi road in Mbale town for treatment. The health workers at that clinic admitted him for three days without informing police,” he said.
The Clinical officer reportedly told detectives at Mbale Central Police station that he received orders from his boss to treat the patient.
Mr. Tukei said suspects will be charged with various offences includes murder, unlawful wounding, malicious damage and conspiracy.
He, however, said they have not yet recovered the killer guns and the two prime suspects, who are still on the run.
A Flying Squad Operative, who preferred anonymity, said the suspects arrested provided d vital information, they needed in order to hunt and arrest the prime suspects.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police (IGP) Brig Sabiti Muzeyi, rushed to Mbale district on Weekend following reports of escalating insecurity and the shooting of the police officers.
The Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mbale Mr. Barassa Ogajjo, said security in the district is under control.
“Despite these attacks, security in the district is under control,” he said.
