Coffee thugs in Bukomansimbi district have developed a new trend of carrying stolen coffee in travel bags and backpacks to easily blend in with the public and escape without being detected.
This tactic was recently uncovered in Bukango village, Bukango sub-county, prompting the authorities to respond to the new wave of thefts by conducting operations targeting individuals carrying travel bags. This led to the arrest of two suspects with their exhibits.
Speaking to the media, Vianey Nakibinge, the Bukango LC I Chairperson, said that the local leaders had received information about this trend, which made them act on this intelligence, and they initiated a crackdown on suspicious individuals carrying backpacks.
Nakibinge added that during their operation, they apprehended two suspects identified as Frank Murungi and Lawrence Ndausi, who were found leaving Tadewo Mugabi’s coffee plantation with loaded backpacks.
“When we found them, we asked them to open their backpacks for inspection. Upon checking, we discovered the stolen coffee hidden inside,” he said.
Siraje Mukinga, the defense secretary of Bukango village, noted that this new approach to coffee theft not only highlights the ingenuity of criminals but also raises concerns among local farmers and authorities about the increasing boldness of these thieves.
Mukinga explained that a single backpack and travel bags can hold a significant amount of stolen coffee, hence why they are used by the thugs to carry their loot.
“The suspects usually conceal larger sacks of stolen coffee in various locations and use their backpacks to transport smaller quantities in different installments so as to minimize the risk of detection,” he noted.
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He added that the impact of the thefts is profound and forced many farmers to harvest immature coffee beans as a defensive measure against thieves, which affects not only the quality of their product but also jeopardizes their income and long-term sustainability in the coffee market.
As coffee theft continues to plague Bukomansimbi district, it is clear that both farmers and local authorities must work together to find effective solutions.
The trend of using travel bags for stealthy theft highlights the need for increased vigilance and community cooperation.
Without concerted efforts to address this issue, the livelihoods of many farmers remain at risk, threatening the economic stability of the region as a whole.
