Police in Mbale have shot dead a suspected gang leader who was behind many robberies in Mbale and surrounding areas.

The deceased has been identified as Ibra Maboni, alias Kadanke, 25, a resident of Obuyonjo Cell, Nkoma Ward in Mbale City, Northern City Division.

Maboni was put out of action in Soweto, Busia District, where he had been hiding, according to Roger Taitika, a spokesperson for the Elgon Region Police.

He has been on the police wanted list for a long time, along with others, for various robbery crimes in Mbale and the neighbouring areas.

It is said that the deceased has been responsible for numerous violent robberies, and numerous police stations in the area are still looking for him.

Spokesperson Taitika said the deceased’s body is lying at the Mbale City mortuary pending a post-mortem examination before being handed over to his relatives.

However, people have reported that criminal gangs have become many in several groups who use motorcycles without registration.

These gangs operate mostly in the Mabole trading centre, Dube Rock Gate.