Bukoba — FIVE suspects have been arrested by police for allegedly stealing 60m/- and for killing a night watchman in Muleba district.

Kagera Regional Police Commander (RPC) Philip Kalangi said on the night of November 12, this year, a group of armed bandits stormed a petrol station at Muleba town and robbed a businessman, Cleophace Rweyemamu, from Nshamba village, also in Muleba of his 60m/-.

The businessman raised alarm and a night watchman, identified as Felix Tonshwe (55) rushed to the scene to give a helping hand. The bandits allegedly shot him at close range wounding him critically and he died a few hours later while receiving treatment at Rubya Designated hospital, in Muleba district.

Mr Kalangi has advised businessmen/women to avoid keeping large amounts of money in their homes and instead should deposit it in the bank for security purposes. He said the suspects would be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations.

This was a second incident whereby armed bandits robbed gas stations killing innocent people. Armed bandits on January 8, last year at around 7.30 p.m. stormed a gas station at Kyakailabwa, some three kilometres from Bukoba town. The bandits shot dead two people at point blank including the owner of the gas station, before they escaped taking unspecified amount of cash.

Mr Kalangi identified the deceased as Nassor Mohamed Ahmed alias Mabruki (56) and a security guard identified as Adrian Kwesiga (52), an employee of Pacific Security Group. As police investigation was in progress, the son of the murdered security guard was found hanging from a tree.

RPC Kalangi identified him as Anord Adrian (16), who is alleged to have committed suicide for unknown reasons. He said Anord left home on January 7, last year for unknown destination and was never seen again alive until on January 12, when his decaying body was found hanging.

In a separate development, two leaders including a Ward Executive Officer (WEO) and a Village Chairman have been arrested allegedly for selling plots set aside by Misenyi District Council for constructing a bus station at Kyaka border post. Mr Kalangi said the two suspects (name withheld) allegedly sold each plot between 200,000/- and 300,000/-, pocketing the money in the process.

On November 12, a group of irate people who were cheated of their money staged a demonstration after they were ordered to vacate the plots by the Misenyi District Council. According to Mr Kalangi, several buildings were set on fire and riot police had to intervene. He said investigations were still on progress and the suspects were out on bail.