One of the suspects in the foiled robbery at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in Kavumba, Wakiso district, has told police that the heist was intended to compensate themselves after months of unpaid wages.
Justin Okello, a private security guard with GKA Security Company, surrendered to police after his colleague, Emmanuel Okao, was shot dead during the attempted robbery on Sunday.
Both men had been deployed at the same DTB branch that they attempted to rob. Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson, Luke Owoyesigyire, said the suspects refused to surrender when police patrol officers, acting on a tip-off, arrived at the bank.
“Instead of coming out, the suspects hid in the ceiling and cocked their guns. This prompted our officers to respond, and Okao was shot dead,” Owoyesigyire explained.
Police investigations revealed that Okao had earlier instructed his family to return to their village, claiming he was heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a long stay, a move police believe was part of a planned getaway after the robbery.
Okello, who gave himself up after witnessing the shooting, confessed that the robbery was premeditated and driven by financial desperation.
“We have been guarding this bank for a while, but our employer hasn’t paid us. We decided to rob the bank and pay ourselves,” Okello reportedly told investigators.
He also revealed that they had removed their uniforms in an attempt to disguise the crime as an external attack. Owoyesigyire confirmed the robbery was planned in advance, citing Okao’s arrangements with his family as evidence.
Two firearms loaded with five bullets each were recovered from the suspects. Detectives are now engaging GKA Security Company to verify the guards’ claims of unpaid wages.
if true then the employer should also be held responsible in this crime. How can these poor souls survive with the rising cost of living these days if not paid?
These security come are to blame, their client pay them in time yet they fail to pay the some amount they are supposed to pay the security guards. If one are paying some one less than 200,000/= why not pay in time.How can some one who provide security to a bank get less than 200,000/= seriously you people are not fair.
Its really unfortunate for us security guards. This profession is cursed in Uganda, people see us as outcast, they should think twice, once you are financially frustrated, you fear nothing to lose including your life.
Seeing your family suffer, starve, children not going to school and yet your working non rest breaks you. We security guards are your brothers and sisters, you should show love to us. A security guard gets satisfied with just small things. Don’t expect to milk a cow, without feeding the cow.
Let’s respect one’s occupation. My fellow security guards, no matter what you can’t justify your act of robbery of non payment. If you can you better quit that company you try elsewhere when you’re still alive. Your life is your asset.
Let’s work within code of conduct. Government should also come to our rescue, at least to set minimum pay of 300,000/ and enforcement must be checked. Uganda belongs to all of us, let our employers and government make work environment conducive for everyone. I condemned the act of those fellows, they real act altre-vires, and I pray that natural justice prevail in this matter .