Five suspects have been sent to Masaka central prison for alleged theft vandalism and theft of power transformers.
The suspects are Arnold Mayanja, Umar Mpiima, Emmanuel Luwagga, Richard Ssempijja and Richard Ssendi.
The five were arrested last week in Nyendo for allegedly siphoning oil from a transformer along Bukakata road.
The suspects on Wednesday appeared before Sarah Mponye, the Masaka Chief Magistrate and were charged with theft of several transformers in and around Masaka town.
Prosecution led by James Opedun told court that on December 2nd 2011 the suspects were arrested by Rapid Response Unit (RRU) operatives while vandalizing one of the transformers which triggered a power outage in and around Masaka town.
Opedun explained that police also recovered several gadgets used to siphon oil from transformers. Court further heard that the suspects had in possession 6 pairs of scissors, 6 cans of oil and other tools used to siphon. They had also reportedly hired a car registration number UAJ 662P which they were traveling in.
The suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and presented sureties but the Chief Magistrate declined to grant them bail.
Mponye explained that she has information that the suspects are ex-convicts of similar offences who were charged and each fined 300,000 shillings by Jinja Chief Magistrate’s Court.
The Chief Magistrate threw down the bail application and remanded them till 28th December.
According to southern region UMEME Manager, George Wamboko, over 50 transformers have been vandalized in Masaka Region since January.
