How 4 Suspects Tricked a Driver to Hijack Lorry Carrying Spare Parts Along Nairobi–Mombasa Highway

Four suspected robbers on Thursday, October 29, hijacked an Isuzu lorry transporting tyres and motor vehicle spare parts along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway. 

In a statement on Friday, October 30, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the incident occurred at the Ndara area at around 2 am.

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“The robbery occurred at approximately 0200hrs yesterday when a driver employed by Soucesteel Company was transporting assorted tyres from Nairobi to Mombasa aboard an Isuzu FRR lorry, registration number KDW 062X,” DCI said. 

According to the DCI, the suspects were using a white Toyota Probox and overtook the lorry before braking suddenly in front of it.

The four occupants then alighted from the vehicle, falsely claiming that the lorry had hit their car and demanding to inspect the alleged damage.

The suspects subsequently attacked the driver, bundled him into the lorry's cabin and took control of the vehicle.

They drove towards Mombasa before diverting onto a feeder road, where they abandoned the driver in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo.

“What appeared to be a minor traffic incident quickly turned into a robbery when the suspects attacked the driver, bundled him into the lorry's cabin and took control of the vehicle. 

“They drove towards Mombasa before diverting onto a feeder road, where they abandoned the victim in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo,” DCI said. 

The investigative agency also mentioned that the suspects reportedly stole the driver’s mobile phone, Ksh6,000 in cash and personal clothing.

Following the incident police officers from Maungu Police Station and DCI detectives launched an operation in the Izera Ranch and Ndara areas to recover the stolen consignment. 

The operation led to the recovery of 44 assorted tyres, 71 filters, including air, cabin and oil filters, and two PLC gaskets.

“The subsequent police operation led to the recovery of 44 assorted tyres of different sizes, 71 assorted filters, comprising air, cabin and oil filters, and two PLC gaskets, all believed to be part of the stolen consignment,” DCI said. 

The driver was later escorted to Voi Police Station to assist with investigations as detectives pursue leads to trace the remaining stolen property and apprehend the four suspects. 

Further, DCI urged motorists, particularly those travelling at night, to exercise caution and report suspicious encounters to the authorities.

“Motorists, particularly those travelling at night, are urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution when confronted by suspicious motorists and promptly report any suspicious encounters to the nearest police station,” DCI added. 

This comes weeks after detectives arrested three women in Migori Township and recovered 55 bags of government-subsidized fertiliser allegedly being sold illegally. 

In a statement on Thursday, October 22, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed a tip-off from members of the public about the illegal sale of the subsidised agricultural input. 

"A tip-off from members of the public has led to the arrest of three women and the recovery of 55 bags of government-subsidised fertiliser being sold illegally in Migori Township," the statement read.

Acting on the information, detectives from Suna East moved to the Apida area in Suna Central Location, where they found the fertiliser being offered for sale. 

The bags were conspicuously marked 'NOT FOR SALE,' indicating that they were not intended for commercial distribution.

The detectives proceeded to arrest three suspects and conducted further searches at their respective stores after questioning them about the fertiliser.

The suspects were identified as Esther Mwera, Emily Akinyi and Elizabeth Kisili.