Masaka Authorities Worried Over New Wave Of Motorcycle Thefts

Masaka authorities have raised a red flag over a new wave of motorcycle thefts. The Masaka Resident District Commissioner-RDC, Herman Ssentongo, says unidentified have started administering chloroform to Boda boda riders and make off with their motorcycle.

According to Ssentongo, they have already registered 3 cases of motorcycle thefts in Masaka and Kyotera district involving the use of chloroform. He says the robbers pose as travelers and in the middle of their journey volunteer to give the riders eats laced with chloroform.

Luganda Audio

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George Sserunjoji, a Boda boda rider at Mukudde stage in Nyendo, a suburb of Masaka town, says unidentified people approached him on Monday to take them to Lady Margret primary school. He says they gave him biscuits believed to have been laced with chloroform and he suddenly became unconscious before they made off with his motorcycle.

According to Sserunjoji, the thugs dumped him on the roadside where he was found by good Samaritans who rushed him to hospital. Joseph Mukasa, a motorcyclist at Mogasa stage in Masaka town, says it chloroform. Mukasa says they have been vigilant about carrying people with metal objects but it is difficult to tell one with chloroform.

He asks security agencies to do whatever it takes to fight the new wave of crime. Denis Lubega says he was doused with chloroform by passengers who had asked him to take them to Kalong and made off with his motorcycle. He says that the thugs gave him a piece of bread that he believes was laced with chloroform.

Latif Zaake, the Southern Region Police Commander has advised Boda boda riders to be cautious about foodstuffs provided by strangers because they may end up being killed. He says unscrupulous people have invaded Masaka with the technique of using chloroform to steal motorcycles.

He warns private health units and pharmacies against selling the chloroform to unqualified health workers. Zaake says a similar case has been reported in Kyotera where a motorcyclist identified as Musa Sserunjoji was doused with chloroform at Kobil stage along Masaka -Kyotera road and his motorcycle stolen.