EDITOR
Territorial Police in Kanungu District have arrested two suspects in separate incidents of coffee theft, following successful canine tracking operations.
The first suspect, Oliver Kasangaki, a resident of Nkunda Cell, Nkunda Ward, Kihihi Town Council, was arrested for allegedly stealing dry coffee from the compound of fellow resident Tushabe Adelliah on the night of May 17, 2025. Upon receiving the complaint, police investigators, accompanied by the canine unit, visited the scene. Canine handler PC Byaruhanga introduced T/P 258 Clara, the tracking dog, to the scene. Clara picked up the scent and tracked it approximately 200 meters to Kasangaki’s store, where she entered and sat beside the stolen coffee. The stolen coffee was recovered and positively identified by the complainant.
In a separate incident, Twakyire Herikan, a resident of Nkumbalaga Cell, Nyakatunguru Ward, was arrested on May 15, 2025, after allegedly stealing fresh coffee from Muyambi Emerson’s garden during the night of May 14. She was tracked and apprehended through similar canine intervention.
Both suspects are in custody as case files remain under inquiry. They will be produced in court to answer charges accordingly.
ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police Spokesperson, confirmed the arrests and praised the effectiveness of the canine unit in solving such agricultural crimes.
“The canine unit continues to play a vital role in helping us track and apprehend criminals. We call upon the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity,” Maate stated.
The incidents highlight growing concerns over agricultural thefts in the region, especially during coffee harvest seasons. Authorities promise continued efforts to curb such crimes and protect farmers’ livelihoods.
