By Eumu Emmanuel
Police in Oyam District have arrested a man accused of impersonating a police officer and committing a series of crimes. The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Engola Gerald, allegedly posed as a police officer after presenting himself at Oyam Central Police Station. Engola claimed he had been transferred from Abim District and was subsequently deployed by police officers in Oyam under the leadership of former District Police Commander (DPC) SP Edison Muhangi as a Criminal Investigative Officer.
Taking advantage of his false identity, Engola reportedly engaged in criminal activities, including the theft of 15 motorcycles and a car, all of which are currently held at Loro Police Station. His crime spree came to an end on Wednesday when he attempted to rob a boda-boda rider in Otwal Sub-county, Oyam District. Engola allegedly convinced the boda-boda rider to transport him, but along the way, he struck the rider with iron bars in an attempt to steal his motorcycle.
Fortunately, the boda-boda rider managed to raise an alarm, which attracted local residents who swiftly apprehended Engola. He was handed over to the police.
The current Oyam DPC, Job Mulegeki, confirmed Engola’s arrest and expressed disappointment in the police’s failure to properly screen him before allowing him to act as a law enforcement officer. Mulegeki emphasized that such incompetence undermines public trust and highlighted the need for thorough vetting processes to prevent future incidents.
Engola is now in police custody, awaiting formal charges. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his criminal activities.