Police have apprehended six men suspected of impersonating matatu operators to rob passengers in Parklands.
According to police, detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) arrested the gang, who allegedly targeted passengers, stealing their valuables and kidnapping some before abandoning them.
The arrests were made following a tip-off from a member of the public. The informer had witnessed an accident involving the suspects’ vehicle, which had been damaged along Kipande Road.
Prior to the accident, the robbers reportedly kidnapped and robbed a passenger, but were involved in a collision while fleeing the scene.
The suspects, posing as matatu operators, had picked up a passenger at Kempinski before allowing some gang members to exit, leaving a female passenger vulnerable to the others.
“Once they began their operation, the woman screamed for help, which caused the gang to panic and led to an accident that exposed them to the public. The witnesses later reported the incident to the DCI,” the statement noted.
Following the tip-off, police deployed a team of OSU detectives who arrested the six suspects. One suspect was found with five mobile phones and a tablet.
Authorities are currently pursuing a female gang member still at large and are urging the public to provide any information that may assist in her arrest.
“We encourage anyone who may have been a victim of this gang to come forward and report to the DCI Headquarters Operations Directorate for further action,” police stated. “Additionally, we urge the public to continue sharing anonymous intelligence through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free number, 0800 722 203.”
