Four masterminds behind the theft of avocado in Murang’a are in police custody after they were caught red handed. The four were arrested by eye-hawked policemen in CFF area in Mithini area as they were loading their stolen consignment in a vehicle at 4 am.
The police were working on a tip volunteer by residents of a daring cartel operating in Gatanga and Kandara stealing the mature avocado between midnight and 3am. The suspects unaware they were on farmers radar after they were through with stealing the fruits in Wempa and Mitumbiria area, aggregated their loot at CFF for loading and dispatch their ready market.
A eyewitness recounted how the four were caught as they were loading the loot packed in bags into the open pick up. The police, the witness recounted, swung into action and arrested the four as others fled from the scene
The vehicle was driven to Kenol Police station as the four were put into the cells and charged in court. In the grilling by the police, the four claimed to have bought the fruits from farmers in Maragua and Kandara.
Sources said the police interrogated those mentioned to have sold the avocados to the gang and denied even doing business with them. A week ago, farmers had complained over the increased theft of the avocado by an established gang linked with processors.
The farmers said they had reported the matters to the police detailing the vehicle involved in the transportation of the stolen fruits. Murang’a South Police Commander Jane Nyakeruma said the suspects will be grilled to provide information surrounding their racket and where they sell their produce.
“We appreciate the cooperation between the police and the locals in exposing the criminals,” said Nyakeruma.