Four suspected thugs shot dead, cop arrested, another injured in weekend of crime
Police officers shot a killed four suspected youths who they believe have been behind the spate of robberies in M-Pesa shops in Nairobi, in what was a crime filled weekend.
The four, according to the police, were shot after detectives, who were working on information from members of the public, approached the group who instead of surrendering started firing at the officers, prompting them to return fire and killing all of them.
Two pistols, four rounds of ammunition and several assorted calling cards and airtime were recovered at the scene. The victims, according to police, were all aged between 19 and 25.
The killing of the four youths brought to seven the number suspected thugs who were felled at the weekend by police in two separate incidents of crime in the city.
DEADLY GUN BATTLE
The first incident happened in Mwiki area in Kasarani, Nairobi where three suspects were killed after a chase by police. A pistol with four bullets was recovered from them.
At the same time, a police officer was on Sunday evening shot and injured in a deadly gun battle with suspected thugs in Ruaka area, Nairobi.
The officer was left nursing serious gunshot wounds after he was shot and injured as he and his colleagues responded to a distress call when they came under fire.
According to the police, the officer was shot and injured in the thigh after which the suspected thugs escaped on foot. The injured officers is currently recuperating in hospital in Nairobi.
DEMANDING BRIBES
In Mukuru kwa Njenga, a police officer, who is currently serving suspension, was arrested on Sunday for arresting and demanding bribes from area residents.
The officer, who has been identified as Titus Matinge, was nabbed after the residents reported him to the authorities.
A police report stated that the officer was demanding money to secure release of those he had arrested.
Police officers from Embakasi moved in and established that the officer was not from their division and upon being searched, Matinge was found in possession of a certificate of appointment.
CLAIMS DISMISSED
The suspect initially said he was from Kenya Airport Police Unit (Kapu) but the JKIA police boss denied knowing him.
Thereafter the officers changed the narrative saying he is from Kenya Railways Police, a claim that was also dismissed by police bosses in Nairobi.
The officer, the report states, later claimed he is stationed at Railways in Mombasa. The police are holding the suspect while conducting further investigations.