A Uganda Martyrs University student held on to the bonnet of a getaway car from Lira city all the way to Kole district after robbers snatched Shs11 million from him in broad daylight.
Francis Ogwal, 32, a student at UMU’s Ngetta campus in Lira, had been sent to the bank by his father on Thursday, November 5. According to police, he withdrew Shs20 million from Stanbic Bank, which he handed to his brother, and then Shs11 million from KCB Bank. New Vision reported the story.
At about 11am, near Mama Supermarket in Lira city, three people, among them a woman, grabbed the Shs11 million and drove off in a Toyota Rumion towards Kampala Road.
Ogwal did not let them go. He jumped onto the car’s bonnet, smashed the windscreen and clung on while shouting for help, as residents gave chase.
The car finally stopped in Otangula village in Kole district, where the suspects abandoned it and fled on foot.
Three arrested, money still missing
Residents caught a woman suspected to be part of the gang hiding in nearby bushes and handed her to Lira City West Division Police Station. Two men were later arrested in Aboke, Kole district.
The car, which an angry crowd damaged, has been towed to the police station as an exhibit. The Shs11 million had not been recovered by the time police issued their statement.
North Kyoga Regional Police spokesperson Patrick Jimmy Okema said police suspect the robbers were tipped off about Ogwal’s bank transactions by someone familiar with his movements or finances. Investigations are continuing.
Carrying cash? Read this
Okema urged the public to stay alert when withdrawing or carrying large sums of money, and not to share details of their finances or bank visits. Where possible, use bank transfers or mobile money for large payments instead of carrying cash.
CampusBee does not recommend chasing robbers. If you’re robbed, get to safety first and report to the nearest police station.
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