Fresh revelations have emerged regarding the foiled robbery at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in Kavumba, Wakiso District, which occurred early Sunday morning. One of the suspects, identified as Emmanuel Okao, was shot dead by police, while his alleged accomplice, Justin Okello, was arrested after surrendering.
According to police, both suspects were private security guards attached to GKA Security Company and had been deployed at the same bank they attempted to rob. Luke Owoyesigyire, the Deputy Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson, said police patrol officers responded to a tip-off about a robbery in progress at the bank. Upon arrival, the officers ordered the suspects to surrender, warning that their attempt would not succeed.
“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,” said Owoyesigyire. Investigations revealed that Okao had earlier told his family to travel to the village, claiming he was heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo for an extended period and would not be returning soon. This, police believe, was part of the pair’s plan to flee the country after the robbery.
Okello, who surrendered upon witnessing his colleague being gunned down, reportedly confessed that the robbery was motivated by unpaid wages. “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 told investigators, adding that they had removed their uniforms to make it appear like an attack by unknown assailants.
Owoyesigyire confirmed that preliminary investigations indicate the robbery was premeditated. “Okao had instructed his family to be at the bus park ready to leave, clearly showing the plan was in motion,” he said.
Patrol officers recovered two guns from the suspects, each loaded with five bullets. Detectives are now engaging GKA Security Company management to verify claims that the guards had gone several months without pay. Authorities note that financial grievances have, in the past, driven some private security guards to turn against the very establishments they are meant to protect.
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