KAMPALA
The police in Kampala have recovered 120 suspected stolen iPhones and arrested four suspects believed to be part of a network dealing in stolen Apple devices and spare parts.
The breakthrough followed investigations into the theft of a police officer’s mobile phone on July 16 while he was on duty at Top City Plaza in Kisenyi Cell, Kampala.
Police said one of the suspects, Mugabi Richard, was arrested on July 18 at his home in Kakajo, Kisenyi. During interrogation, he allegedly admitted stealing the officer’s phone while the officer was resting in a vehicle and disclosed that it was later sold for sh900,000 to Mugerwa Juma, a mobile phone dealer operating at Cooper Complex in Kampala. The stolen phone has since been recovered.
Acting on the information, detectives raided Mugerwa’s shop on July 21, recovering seven functioning iPhones, five iPads, three laptops, phone-resetting machines, a microscope and a large quantity of iPhone spare parts.
A subsequent search of Mugerwa’s vehicle led to the recovery of 120 suspected stolen iPhones, ranging from the latest iPhone 17 Pro Max models to earlier versions.
SP Racheal Kawala, the Kampala Metropolitan Police Spokesperson identified the suspects as Mugabi Richard, Mwesigwa Frank, Mutesi Sumaya and Mugerwa Juma.
The suspects were reportedly purchasing suspected stolen iPhones and spare parts from street operators in Kampala and surrounding areas before reselling them. They are currently detained at Katwe police station pending charges.
Kawala said investigations are ongoing to establish the rightful owners of the recovered devices, dismantle the wider criminal network and apprehend more suspects.
She urged members of the public who have recently lost iPhones to report to Katwe Police Station with proof of ownership to assist in identifying the recovered devices
