By Nasser Kayanja
The High Court in Kampala has ruled that businessman Charles Olimu, popularly known as Sipapa, and his wife Shamira Namuyimba must defend themselves against charges of aggravated robbery involving Shs1.6 billion and money laundering.
Trial judge Michael Elubu found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case requiring the couple to explain the allegations that they robbed a South Sudanese national at his home in Bunga.
Sipapa and Namuyimba face five counts of aggravated robbery and money laundering. They deny the charges and remain on remand at Luzira Prison.
Their defence is scheduled to begin on 12 October.According to the prosecution, on the night of 29 August 2022, the couple and others still at large broke into the home of South Sudanese businessman Jacob Arok Mul in Bunga-Kawuku, Makindye Division, Kampala.
The victims were allegedly rendered unconscious with a chemical substance before the assailants stole US$429,000, electronic devices and several pieces of gold jewellery.The robbery was reported to police.
Investigators activated the “Find My Phone” application on some of the stolen devices, which led them to a house on Kityo Close in Buwate, Kira Division, where Sipapa and Namuyimba allegedly resided.
Several of the stolen items were recovered from the house, and fingerprints lifted from the crime scene matched those of Sipapa.Further inquiries indicated that the stolen money was converted into various assets, including musical equipment purchased from Hong Kong, electronics and motor vehicles.