Detectives in Kibwezi, Makueni County, have recovered 129 bags of rice that were stolen while in transit from Mombasa.
The rice had been hijacked by a gang of highway robbers on December 21 near the Machinery area in Kambu, while the truck was en route to its destination.
The truck driver, who reported the incident at Makindu Police Station, described the terrifying ordeal.
According to his account, the robbers, who appeared on motorcycles, ambushed the truck on a secluded stretch of road.
They overpowered the driver, assaulted him, and forcibly took control of the truck.
After abandoning the driver near Makindu, the gang offloaded 500 bags of rice, each weighing 25kg, from the truck.
The robbers then abandoned the empty truck and disappeared with the stolen goods.
The suspects, believed to be part of a four-member gang, shared the rice among themselves and likely planned to sell it for a profit.
The police were alerted to the theft and, acting on intelligence, DCI Makindu officers launched an investigation.
Their efforts led them to the home of one of the suspects, identified as Alex Mweti Kasina, 42.
However, upon learning that the police were closing in on him, Kasina fled the area along with his wife, likely in an attempt to evade capture.
Despite the suspect’s flight, detectives discovered 129 bags of the stolen rice outside his residence, providing crucial evidence linking him to the crime.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities working tirelessly to track down Kasina and the other members of the gang.
They are also focused on recovering the remaining stolen rice and ensuring that those responsible for the crime face justice.
The case highlights the growing issue of highway robberies in the region and the efforts of law enforcement to crack down on such criminal activities.
Local authorities have promised to intensify surveillance and patrols along major highways to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of both transporters and residents in the area.
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