The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has arrested three suspects accused of breaking into hardware stores in Machakos and its environs.
In a statement on Friday, March 28, detectives said the three had been terrorising hardware owners in the Machakos and Joska areas.
“In a well-coordinated operation, detectives have apprehended three notorious burglary masterminds. The trio has been terrorising Machakos and Joska neighbourhoods, orchestrating a series of audacious hardware break-ins,” DCI stated.
After investigations, detectives found out that the three had recently been released from Machakos GK Prison.
According to the DCI, officers recovered a motorcycle the suspects are said to have used to escape, tools for breaking in, and a bolt cutter.
During the investigation, the detectives also found a long metal rod, which was allegedly used to threaten watchmen during the robberies.
"During the arrest, authorities recovered a motorcycle used by the suspects as their getaway vehicle. Also seized were tools of the trade, a bolt cutter, and a long metal rod allegedly wielded to intimidate watchmen during their criminal escapades," the detective added.
One suspect was caught after in Machakos town and later led police to a scrap metal dealer, where stolen items from a Joska hardware store were hidden.
The recovered goods, including 200 kilograms of nails, 25 kilograms of hoop iron, and a laptop, were kept to be used as evidence.
"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," the DCI noted
According to DCI, the three suspects were taken into custody and are being processed as they wait to appear in court.
"Their newfound freedom was short-lived, as they now find themselves back in police custody undergoing processing awaiting their day in court,"the detective added.
