In Bukomansimbi district, in response to a surge of late, where criminals raid plantations, break into storage facilities, and steal coffee beans, residents have proposed harsh punishments for suspected thieves. Farmers and traders resolved to take into their own hands affairs of coffee theft.
During a security meeting in Kikuuta trading centre, Kitanda sub-county, residents agreed on unlawful measures to deter criminal activities, not limited to burning vehicles used by thieves, confiscating properties of suspects, and auctioning them to compensate victims.
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Others include punitive actions against brokers found dealing in stolen coffee, including seizing and auctioning their stock. If the suspects lack property for compensation, their families will be held accountable
Additionally, the community declared an 8 pm curfew on transporting coffee and livestock and plans to form security teams to patrol villages at night.
The chairperson of Kitanda sub-county, Joseph Kamuli, lamented his disorientation with police on its inability to address the escalating thefts and other robberies.
“We have realized that the situation is beyond the police’s control, which requires us to step up our local interventions. In some cases, the public has been let down by the police when it releases known habitual offenders, and they continue to terrorize our communities,” Kamuli said.
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