By Dorothy Musyoka
Detectives have apprehended a notorious gang of hardware burglars who have been wreaking havoc in Machakos and Joska neighborhoods.
The gang’s ringleader, Wycliffe Matheka Kithuku, alias Uthex, was arrested alongside his accomplices, Cynthia Mbithe Musyoka and Jackson Wambua Mutinda.
The suspects have been linked to a string of daring break-ins targeting hardware stores in the region.
“The trio has been terrorizing Machakos and Joska neighbourhoods, orchestrating a series of audacious hardware break-ins,” stated the DCI.
During the arrest, police seized a motorcycle (KMGP 114M) used by the gang as their getaway vehicle, along with a bolt cutter and a long metal rod, which they allegedly used to intimidate security guards.
Further investigations led detectives to Brian Wambua Manza, who was captured in Machakos town.
Under interrogation, he directed officers to a scrap metal dealer, where a stash of stolen items from a Joska hardware store was recovered.
“Under pressure, he led detectives to a scrap metal dealer, revealing a hidden stash of stolen goods from a Joska hardware store. Among the haul were 200 kilograms of nails, 25 kilograms of hoop iron, and a laptop,” added the DCI.
Authorities have also confirmed that Kithuku, Mutinda and Manza are all ex-convicts, recently released from Machakos GK Prison.
However, their return to crime was short-lived, as they are now back in police custody, awaiting court proceedings.
Meanwhile, the recovered stolen goods have been secured as exhibits.