One of the suspects in the foiled robbery at Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) in Kavumba, Wakiso district, has told police that the heist was intended to compensate them after months of unpaid wages.
Justin Okello, a private security guard with GKA Security Company, surrendered to police after his colleague, Emmanuel Okao, was shot dead during the attempted robbery on Sunday.
Both men had been deployed at the same DTB branch that they attempted to rob. Kampala Metropolitan Police deputy spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said the suspects refused to surrender when police patrol officers, acting on a tip-off, arrived at the bank.
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,” Owoyesigyire explained.
Police investigations revealed that Okao had earlier instructed his family to return to their village, claiming he was heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a long stay, a move police believe was part of a planned getaway after the robbery.
Okello, who gave himself up after witnessing the shooting, confessed that the robbery was premeditated and driven by financial desperation.
“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 reportedly told investigators.
He also revealed that they had removed their uniforms in an attempt to disguise the crime as an external attack. Owoyesigyire confirmed the robbery was planned in advance, citing Okao’s arrangements with his family as evidence.
Two firearms loaded with five bullets each were recovered from the suspects. Detectives are now engaging GKA Security Company to verify the guards’ claims of unpaid wages.
