An administrative assistant chief from Riamoni area in Kitutu Masaba has praised a group of five youths who have confessed to stealing from residents for surrendering to officials.
Addressing residents on Monday during an official reception of the former gangsters, Mr Sambu Bosire urged youths who were still engaging in illegal activities to surrender to the authorities for the purpose of forgiveness.
Mr Sambu cautioned parents who were still shielding their children who were linked with gangsters, promising an operation to arrest the suspects.
“Security is very important and no one should deny that. I wish welcome the young men who confessed today to civilian lives. This is a great courage and people should emulate them. This is also the time for parents to youths whose conducts is questionable to rally behind them to surrender before we catch up with them,” he said.
He defended his move to announce a ‘curfew’ that will see residents stay in their houses as early as 7pm as a way of dealing with rising insecurity in the region.
“I have heard many of you complaining that I have no powers to impose restrictions on the appropriate time to be out of you house. But I want to urge you today to obey the order and no one should question that. This is for the sake of our security,” he added.
The ringleader, who was identified as ‘Raster Juma' called on other youths to abandon the illegal activities and join constructive work.
“This is the right time for us to engage ourselves in legal activities. We thank the chief for accepting us and hope the community will do so,” he said.