Five Arrested Over Alleged Theft of Computers at Dokolo District Headquarters, Police Investigating Further

Dokolo – Five people have been arrested and detained at Dokolo Central Police Station, while three others have been remanded at Koroto Government Prison, following allegations of stealing computer equipment from various offices at the district headquarters.

The suspects are believed to have been involved in the theft of ten computers over the past month, despite the presence of security measures such as CCTV cameras.

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday afternoon, Babra Akech, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Dokolo, confirmed the arrests and provided details of the ongoing investigation. Akech explained that the theft, which occurred at different intervals, had raised concerns about the effectiveness of the district’s security infrastructure.

Akech reported that the initial investigation focused on three suspects who were arrested after the theft of a computer from the Audit Department. These individuals were apprehended using police dogs, and subsequently, they were taken to Koroto Government Court, where they were remanded. However, on Sunday night, February 16, 2025, another theft occurred, this time at the Finance Office, where one computer was stolen. Following this incident, five more suspects were arrested and detained at Dokolo Central Police Station.

Despite the presence of CCTV cameras at the district headquarters, which were expected to provide a layer of security, a total of ten computers were stolen in the span of one month. The stolen equipment included devices from several key departments, raising concerns about the vulnerability of government property and the ability of the police to prevent such crimes.

Godfrey Ogwang Okello, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Dokolo District, expressed frustration over the repeated thefts and the failure of the police to recover the stolen computers. He stated that while the district administration has made efforts to support the police in safeguarding the headquarters, the thefts continued unabated. He revealed that the stolen equipment included two computers from the Planning Unit, two from the Audit Department, two from the Integrated Finance Unit, and four from the Finance Office, which had been targeted twice.

Okello emphasized that the district is now exploring alternative ways to improve security at the headquarters, which may include recruiting additional local security personnel. He also pointed out that the failure to recover the stolen computers raised questions about the efficiency of the police investigation.

“The situation is serious. We have been facilitating the police to safeguard the district headquarters, but the security has clearly failed. We are now considering other options,” said Okello.

James Otoo Apili, the LCV Chairperson of Dokolo District, expressed his concern over the increasing frequency of computer thefts despite the security measures in place. He pointed out that the district had implemented protective measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras and the deployment of police officers, but these were not enough to prevent the crimes.

“We have witnessed numerous thefts, and the situation is becoming alarming. Despite the security measures, such as CCTV cameras and police officers, the thieves are still getting away with the stolen computers. We have engaged the security department to immediately investigate these matters,” said Otoo Apili.

In response to the ongoing thefts, Otoo Apili suggested that the district might need to recruit local security personnel to better protect government property. He emphasized that the police have failed in their duty to secure the district’s offices, and local security guards may be the solution to address the situation.

“Police have not performed their role in safeguarding government property. We will recruit local security personnel to handle the situation. We cannot continue to lose government property like this,” he added.

Otoo Apili also made an appeal to the public, urging anyone with information about the thefts to come forward and report it to the relevant authorities. He stressed the importance of swift action to prevent further thefts and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“We appeal to anyone with information to report to the police or local authorities. This is a matter of national importance, and we must work together to stop these criminals from undermining the district’s operations,” Otoo Apili said.

The district authorities are now focused on strengthening security at the headquarters. They are considering the recruitment of additional security personnel and enhancing the installation of more security cameras in the district offices.