Jinja: In a surprising turn of events, John Peter Eriu, a 25-year-old resident of Jinja city, has been arrested by the local police for his alleged possession of dangerous military equipment and impersonation as a law enforcement officer. This unsettling discovery came to light after members of the community raised concerns about Eriu’s suspicious activities, accusing him of having access to military gear and using it to terrorize residents.
“The community’s vigilance and willingness to report their suspicions played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect,” says SP James Mubi, Kiira Region Police Spokesperson.
The seized items include a toy pistol, military boots, batons bearing the insignia of the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), and police t-shirts. According to reports, Eriu has been using these items and falsely representing himself as a police officer, attached to the Kayunga police station, to intimidate, rob, and even harm local residents.
“The community’s vigilance and willingness to report their suspicions played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect,” emphasizes SP James Mubi, Kiira Region Police Spokesperson.
The investigation into Eriu’s activities was initiated by the city’s police intelligence officers following several reports from concerned citizens. The community’s vigilance and willingness to report their suspicions played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
During a search of Eriu’s residence in Butiki Mataala, located in the city’s Northern Division, police recovered two pairs of military boots, a toy pistol, and police t-shirts that appeared to belong to instructors from the Kabalye police training school. Additionally, forged documents, including DFCU bank ATM cards and a Kampala University Jinja campus identity card, were discovered along with two sharp machetes, hidden in a nearby banana plantation.
SP James Mubi, the Kiira region police spokesperson, commended the residents of Mafubira for their quick response and cooperation with the police, which led to the arrest of the suspect. Mubi emphasized the importance of vigilance in the community, particularly against individuals who masquerade as law enforcement officers.
The accused, John Peter Eriu, is currently in custody at Jinja Central Police Station. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated robbery, impersonation, giving false information, and being in possession of government property. This arrest underscores the commitment of Kiira regional police, led by SSP Rogers Sseguya, to root out criminal elements and maintain peace and security in the region. Such deceptive actions, like those allegedly perpetrated by Eriu, not only disrupt the lives of local residents but also hinder the growth and development of businesses and communities.
