Car thieves in police custody after botched robbery in Kitengela
By K24 Editorial, May 28, 2024Two suspects were yesterday arrested by police officers in Kitengela after a botched car theft incident.
The duo are said to have been trailing the motorist from Ruiru, Kiambu County before attempting to steal the Toyota model vehicle at a business parking lot near Yukos area of Kitengela.
A cleaner at the business premises raised an alarm after noticing the men entering the vehicle through the window, prompting members of the public to pounce on the two.
According to the cleaner, she had seen the suspects trail the motorist to the parking lot using a Toyota Allison white saloon car. Thereafter, she said, two men alighted from the car which was then driven off as the suspects remained behind, standing and purporting to engage in a conversation.
“I heard a loud bhang and upon checking I noticed the two men whose car had left entering the parked vehicle through windows. I screamed and luckily local guards and members of the public reacted quickly. The suspects attempted to flee off but were caught by bodaboda riders,” said Ann Nekesa, an eyewitness.
The motor vehicle owner who is a clergy said he had parked at the parking lot as he sought barber services.
He said he had noticed a vehicle trailing him throughout his journey, at times following him from behind and at times overtaking him to stay ahead of him.
“I had withdrawn Sh500, 000 from a local bank but gave someone who was waiting just outside the bank. At no given time did I suspect that the vehicle was on a mission to trail me. I am shocked,” the motorist told officers.
At the police station, it was established that the suspect who had been attacked by the mob were in a possession of several different national identity cards which did not represent their true identity.
After interrogations, the suspects confessed to have been involved in a car theft syndicate which mainly operates in Thika further revealing that they were on a mission to steal the vehicle.
According to one of th investigating officers, the suspects have provided them with crucial information on where and how the criminals gang operates.
The suspects confssed that they usually dismantled the stollen vehicles for spare parts.
The duo will be arraigned at the Kajiado Law Court tomorrow.