Man arrested for preying on women via Facebook Dating

A 28-year-old electrician identified as Odongkara Steven, a resident of Bulaga “B” village, Wakiso is in trouble after her was arrested by the KMP Crime Intelligence Division, in coordination with KMP North and Wakiso, for a string of knife-point robberies, against female victims lured from Facebook.

According to SCP Enanga Fred the Police Spokesperson, the suspect, met Namiiro Jemima on 14/11/2023, on Facebook and they agreed to meet on a date, as boyfriend and girl friend, at Kasasa Bulaga village,

However, along the way, while escorting each other, the suspect drew out a knife and stabbed the victim on the right hand, then grabbed her bag, and escaped from the scene.

The victim, a 27-year-old resident of Najjanankumbi reported the matter to the police on 22/11/2023, around 10:30am. She made a report of simple robbery of her bag that contained cash 200,000 and cosmetics, by her facebook boyfriend, later identified as Odongokara Steven.

The suspect was tracked down and arrested on 27/12/2023. An immediate search was conducted, and a knife recovered from, him. The suspect admitted to luring girls and women on Facebook and robbing from them.

“As the police, we urge girls, women and other persons looking to find love online, to proceed with caution, while meeting up with a match in persons from dating sites. In this case, the suspect admitted to robbing all victims after meeting them, following chats and conversations on Facebook. The victims were forced to surrender their bags, phones, and other valuables. In some of the incidents, the victims suffered knife injuries,” said Enanga.

He recommended safety tips to keep in mind, when meeting someone online, explaining that, it is good practice to meet at a public place with other people around.

SCP Enanga added that it is also important to have a buddy system, when going on dates. “Tell a friend, whom you are going out with, photos and contacts. Do not go on a first date, when you are not around people. Either meet at a bar or restaurant. Other advanced arrangements can only take place after, knowing each other, very well.”