Infamous Phone Snatcher’s Reign Ends as Mombasa Detectives Crack Down on Gang
A notorious mobile phone snatcher, infamous for using a motorcycle to steal phones from unsuspecting passersby, was arrested by detectives from the Mombasa Regional Headquarters on Monday. The suspect, Ian Mahad, also known as Suleiman, has been a major thorn in the side of residents in the Bamburi, Nyali, and Kadzandani areas, where he carried out a series of daring thefts.
The arrest followed a determined operation by law enforcement officers who had been tracking the gang responsible for the criminal activities. Mahad was apprehended at a motorcycle shop in Mombasa’s central business district, where he had been seen purchasing a new bike. The arrest was a direct consequence of the mounting pressure from locals, some of whom had taken matters into their own hands. On Saturday, enraged residents set fire to Mahad’s previous motorcycle after he used it to carry out another phone-snatching spree in the area.
Following his arrest, detectives expanded their operation to the Kadzandani area, a known hideout for members of the gang. There, they recovered a Honda motorcycle with the registration number KMGG 228X, an Oppo mobile phone, and other items linked to the gang’s illegal activities. However, not all members of the criminal group were apprehended. Several suspects managed to evade capture and remain at large, prompting the police to intensify their search.
Mahad is currently in police custody, undergoing processing, and is expected to be arraigned in court soon. Local authorities have vowed to continue their crackdown on criminal gangs in Mombasa and its environs, ensuring that those responsible for terrorizing innocent citizens are brought to justice.
The successful arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement, and a much-needed relief for the residents of Bamburi, Nyali, and Kadzandani, who have long suffered from the actions of this gang. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the search for the remaining suspects continues. Read More
