At least 20 bandits have been arrested in Yaounde during separate police crackdown operations in the Etoudi neighbourhoods and its environs.
According to security sources, the gangsters have been terrorising city dwellers living in the neighbourhoods of Tongolo, Mangiere, Elig-edzoa, Emana, Santa-Barbara and Rail Ngoussou.
Following several complains filed at the 6th Police Station in Etoudi, a crackdown operation under the supervision of Police Commissioner, Yves Landry Ekobe which involved raids and special patrols led to the arrest close to a score of the hoodlums.
The latest bandit, according to Commisioner of police, Antoine Etoungonti, was apprehended on Monday August 3, 2020, at the Emana neighbourhood.
He said while inhabitants commuted from homes to their various job sites during the morning rush hour, a youngster burgled a couple awaiting taxi, making away with the ladies handbag.
After being alerted by a taxi driver who witnessed the incident, the police officers at one of the nearby control post launched a manhunt for the outlaw.
Upon noticing the approaching officers, the bandit attempted escaping but was overpowered by the security elements.
At the time of his arrest, the culprit was still in possession of the victim’s handbag.
Such incidents have been reported severally in the neighbourhoods of the Yaounde 1 Subdivision especially at major roundabouts, in taxis and other public spaces.
Victims of acts of rubbery said their aggressors used guns, machetes, daggers and other weapons to compel them to succumb to their demands.
Police Commissioner, Yves Landry Ekobe told the press that;
“these boys operate at nights just as at broad day light and changing locations randomly.”
“they take advantage of the traffic jam and at traffic lights to target vehicles, handbags, mobile phones and other valuables.” he explained.
“With the weapons the threaten victims before making away with their booty. At night, the target dark areas to wait for their victims.” the commissioner added.
Meanwhile, he advised passengers to avoid exposing their valuables while in transport vehicles or public spaces.
To drivers, he said, they should always windup their glasses to avoid easy access for the outlaws.
