Two individuals are currently in police custody following a robbery with violence incident that led to the recovery of a firearm and 20 rounds of ammunition. The arrests come after swift action by law enforcement officers in response to gunfire reported in the Mungania area.
On the evening of June 4, at approximately 8:30 PM, a National Police Reservist (NPR) reported hearing gunshots near Mungania Shopping Centre in Meru. The reservist also spotted an armed suspect carrying what appeared to be an AK-47 rifle. Upon being challenged, the suspect dropped the weapon and fled the scene on foot.
The alert prompted immediate response from officers drawn from Kathare, Subuiga, and Buuri East Police Stations. Their quick coordination led them to an abandoned vehicle near the shopping centre, which they believed had been used by the fleeing suspects. Upon inspection of the vehicle, officers discovered personal belongings, including two mobile phones, and found a female suspect inside. She was apprehended on the spot.
While searching the vicinity, officers managed to track down a second suspect who had gone into hiding. He was found concealed in a nearby residence and taken into custody without further incident.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had earlier robbed a shop attendant in the Mungania Shopping Centre. The victim reportedly sustained minor injuries during the incident. The stolen items and the specific nature of the injuries were not disclosed, but authorities confirmed that the incident fits the pattern of a robbery with violence.
The firearm, which resembled an AK-47 assault rifle, along with the 20 rounds of ammunition, has been secured as evidence. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the weapon will undergo forensic analysis to determine whether it has been used in other criminal activities in the area or elsewhere.
Additionally, the impounded vehicle and the mobile phones recovered from the scene will be subjected to forensic and investigative procedures. Authorities aim to gather more information about the suspects’ movements and communications prior to the robbery.
Both individuals are being held in custody as investigations continue. They are expected to be arraigned in court once police conclude the preliminary stages of the case. Charges are likely to include robbery with violence, illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possible conspiracy to commit a felony.
The swift response by the security teams has been praised by local residents, some of whom had reportedly grown concerned about rising insecurity in the area. The presence of armed individuals had heightened fears, especially in local shopping centres and trading hubs.
Police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order and have called on members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the community and law enforcement agencies in combating crime effectively.
Investigators are now working to establish whether the suspects were part of a larger criminal network or if the incident was isolated. Forensic analysis on the firearm, the suspects’ personal belongings, and mobile phone data is expected to provide more insight into the case.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to the incident or the suspects to come forward and assist in the ongoing efforts to ensure justice is served.
