Kampala, Uganda | By Michael Wandati | In Kampala, Police have arrested a suspected woman believed to be behind a syndicate that targets and steals guests’ laptops and valuables from hotels in the city.
The woman, identified as Joan Nanteza, was apprehended at Kabira Country Club. She allegedly posed as a participant in a workshop organized by ACODE, registering under the name Sharon Abuje. However, her name did not appear on the official list of participants.
“The suspect forms part of a clique of thieves, who target organised workshops and conferences, at different hotels and steal from their clients or alert their other accomplices about potential targets. The suspects, target smart phones, bags, ipads, laptops, during break time, photo sessions and at the closure of workshops,” police spokesperson, Fred Enanga said.
During interrogation, Nanteza claimed to be a student of Environmental Studies at Makerere University, a claim that was proven to be false upon investigation.
Authorities suspect that university students may have been another targeted group by the perpetrator.
Also Read: Woman arrested with 9 master keys in Kigezi Church vehicle theft
“It was further established that on January 29, 2024, the suspect attended a workshop at Riders Hotel in Seeta, under different names and stole a Samsang Tablet with an installed Health Information System Program. It was recovered from her. Expansive investigations to locate other accomplices and recovery of stolen items,” Enanga said.
Police commended the security team at Kabira Country Club for their diligence and dedication in preventing such thefts on their premises.
“Anyone who engages in deceptive practices like this, should know they will not go undetected and will be held accountable.”
