Teso
Saturday May 11 2024
KNA by Absalom Namwalo
Police in Malaba have promised to smash a syndicate where vehicles stolen from Kenya are driven across the border to Uganda, where they are sold and registration number plates replaced.
This is after a Mitsubishi Canter, which was on Wednesday morning reportedly stolen in Londiani, was intercepted at Ikapolok road block near Malaba town at 2am on Thursday morning.
Teso North Sub County police commander Joseph Matiku said the driver, Ian Chirchir, was arrested after he got off the truck and attempted to escape on foot and was detained at Malaba police station.
“My officers flagged down the lorry for routine inspection at Ikapolok road block and upon interrogation the driver tried to escape on foot that is when our officers apprehended him for further interrogation,” said Matiku.
Matiku said the suspect will be handed over to officers from Londiani where the theft was reported.According to the sub county police boss, who was flanked by Malaba Officer Commanding Station George Ouka, the thieves mostly target Canters and tractors, which appear to have a ready market in Uganda.
“We have received so many reports of canters and tractors having been stolen elsewhere and en-routed to Uganda where it seems there is market for them. As officer manning along the border we will remain vigilant to dismantle these cartels behind the acts,” he added.
So far, the driver is said to be volunteering crucial information regarding the syndicate and promised to give the details of the main perpetrator.
Courtesy: KNA