Eleven suspected bandits who were arrested on Monday September 16, 2013 are presently languishing at the Yaounde IV police station in Yaounde. Reports say the bandits were arrested following several complains from victims of robbery by the group of bandits. Many Yaounde inhabitants have either had their bags snatched from them or have been robbed one way or the other by the group of bandits.
The most recent was that of a certain lady (names withheld) whose handbag was snatched from her car. The bag contained two passports and FCFA 3.5 million, three air tickets and three mobile phones. When the bag was finally discovered only the mobile phones were found in it. According to reports, the bandits operate in groups in strategic areas of the town. One group operates in the zone around Bata Nlongkak, Elig Edjoa and right up to the cemetery in Ngousso neighbourhood.
The second group operates from the Selecte Bakery in Etoa Meki to the new road in Etoa Meki, the third group operates at the around the Camp Sonel in the Essos neighbourhood in the evenings of Fridays and Saturdays and the last group operates in the Ekounou neighborhood from the Monthé Carossel area to Cote d'Azur near the Ekounou main junction. Out of the 11 suspects, nine have been to prison. Out of the nine, eight have finished their prison terms while one of them escaped from prison one week before the end of his prison term. Seven others are still at large.
Police Commissioner, Chetima Mballa Abba, called on road users to put valuable objects in the boots of their cars and to wind up their glasses while driving especially where there is traffic jam. The bandits appeared before the Mfoundi Court of First Instance yesterday September 17, 2013. Investigations are underway to bring all culprits to justice.