Police Arrest Serial City Criminal after Attack on Chinese National

By Fred Kiva

Police in Wandegeya has arrested Ashraf Kivumbi, a notorious criminal, known for snatching phones and other valuables on Kampala streets.

Kivumbi was arrested together with his accomplice, Baker alias Buuba whom he claims buys the stolen phones from him. Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, Patrick Onyango says the duo’s arrest follows an attack on a Chinese national, Yuquang Wei on May 26 around Bombo Road.

According to Onyango, Kivumbi, together with others still at large attacked the Chinese national, broke his arm and injured his nose before robbing him of money and other valuable property. “Kivumbi was identified by an officer, who responded to the attack, but he was able to evade arrest. A hunt for him has been on since,” he said, adding that on June 2, 2019, “Our CCTV cameras captured him snatching another mobile phone from Fred Katsinzi while he was driving his Toyota Harrier near Bible House on Bombo Road.”

“With this tangible evidence, our officers used the footage to trace for his (Kivumbi’s) whereabouts and later arrested him at his mother's residence yesterday (Tuesday),” Onyango explained. He explained that the suspect is a renowned phone snatcher on Bombo Road, Gadaffi Road, Kiseeka Market, and Old Kampala.

“After arrest, we dug-out his history and found out that he had several criminal cases on which he was arrested and convicted. After serving his sentences, he returns and continues with the thefts,” Onyango revealed.

On Wednesday Kivumbi led the police to a one Baker, alias Buuba whom he claims buys stolen mobile phones from him. Baker, who police say often hangs around E-Zone in Kasubi, has also been arrested as investigations continue.

The suspects are now detained at Wandegeya Police station and they face charges of theft, aggravated robbery and being in possession of stolen property. “We thank our CCTV Team and foot patrol officers who have enabled us fight criminals who snatch property from unsuspecting motorists in traffic jam and at traffic lights,” the police said.