Amolatar, July 21, 2024 – In a troubling development for Amolatar Health Centre IV, local attendants and security personnel have faced repeated theft attempts by individuals posing as patients. The situation came to a head on July 19, 2024, when an attempted theft was thwarted by the swift action of local police and security teams.
According to SP Patrick Jimmy Okema, the North Kyoga Region’s Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. A 19-year-old student, Omara Robert, from Namasale Technical School, reported the crime. Omara, a resident of Baronger village, Anwalwake parish, Agwingiri sub-county, Amolatar district, had been at the health centre to visit his sick father.
The suspect, described as an unidentified male, had entered the parking lot of the health facility with the apparent intention of stealing a bicycle. The thief was seen leaving the maternity ward, prompting an alarm to be raised. This immediate alert drew attention from many within the facility, leading to the suspect being apprehended by an enraged mob.
The mob, responding to the suspected theft, attacked the individual with sticks and stones. The situation escalated rapidly, and it was only through the timely intervention of local police that further violence was prevented. A team led by the District Police Commander (DPC) arrived at the scene, rescuing the suspect from the mob’s clutches.
Police statements reveal that this is not an isolated incident. Over the past few months, there have been several thefts involving bicycles belonging to health centre attendants. Despite the vigilance of both attendants and private security personnel, thieves have managed to strike repeatedly.
SP Okema confirmed that the police were able to recover the stolen roadmaster bicycle, which was taken to the Amolatar Central Police Station (CPS) as evidence. Due to the severe injuries sustained during the mob attack, the suspect was subsequently transported back to Amolatar Health Centre IV for medical treatment.
In light of these events, SP Okema emphasized the importance of community cooperation and caution. “We want to extend our gratitude to the public for their vigilance. However, it is crucial for the community to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. Instead, we encourage everyone to report such incidents to the police, who are equipped to handle these situations appropriately,” he said.
The police are continuing their investigations into the incident and are calling for any additional witnesses or information that could aid in their efforts to prevent future occurrences. They remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of both the health facility and its visitors.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by healthcare facilities in maintaining security amidst increasing criminal activities. It highlights the need for improved security measures and greater community engagement in safeguarding vital public services.
Credit: TND News Uganda….