Police have recovered part of a stolen consignment of tyres and motor vehicle spare parts following a highway robbery involving four suspected criminals along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway in Ndara.
The recovery followed a joint operation by officers from Maungu Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who launched patrols across Izera Ranch and Ndara after the incident.
The robbery occurred at around 2am yesterday when a driver working for Soucesteel Company was transporting tyres from Nairobi to Mombasa in an Isuzu lorry.
According to the driver, a white Toyota Probox approached from behind, overtook the lorry and suddenly stopped, forcing him to slow down.
Four men then stepped out of the vehicle, claiming that the lorry had hit their car and demanding to inspect the damage.
However, the situation quickly escalated when the suspects attacked the driver, forced him into the lorry's cabin and took control of the vehicle.
The suspects drove towards Mombasa before turning onto a feeder road, where they abandoned the driver in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo.
The attackers also stole the driver's mobile phone, Ksh6,000 in cash and personal clothing.
A subsequent police operation led to the recovery of 44 assorted tyres, 71 air, cabin and oil filters and two PLC gaskets believed to be part of the stolen consignment.
The National Police Service commended the officers involved, saying, "We commend the officers involved for their swift response and coordinated efforts."
The Service also reaffirmed its commitment to "protecting motorists, securing major transport corridors and combating criminal activities targeting road users."
Motorists, particularly those travelling at night, have been urged to remain vigilant, exercise caution when approached by suspicious motorists and report suspicious encounters to the nearest police station.
The public can report criminal activities anonymously through the DCI toll-free number 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
