Yaounde: Police parades two groups specialised in burglary.

The Commissioner of the Central Police Station No.1 in Yaounde, Commissioner Medou Thierry, identified the suspects as Fouda Luc, Ondobo Eyala Joseph, Ekani Mbida Vincent, Atou Zang François, Kwe Rodolphe, Onguene Pierre, Ekani Mbida Vincent, Andjongo Bessala Brice and Koa Christian Nicolas.

Commissioner Medou said suspects were arrested after investigations, following repeated complaints from victims whose houses were burgled in the neighbourhoods of Emana, Messassi and Nyom. 

He said the investigations followed strict directives and instructions from the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele. 

He revealed that the suspects operated by destroying houses to do away with electronic devices, other important belongings and cash.

He said the most recent operation of the groups was on December 14, 2024, at the home of Ngo Honga Hannette Olivia in the Nyom neighbourhood, where belongings and equipment valued at tens of millions stolen.

One of the group, he said, also break into the home of Jiogap Melia Cabrale on January 17, 2025, where they used a pair of pliers to cut off the victim's padlock, gained access into the house, carted away several valuables. 

According to Commissioner Medou, the group worked with a technician called Ondobo Eyala Joseph Serges, who received mobile phones stolen from victims, altered its IMEIs, making it impossible for the police to trace them.

Items recovered from gangs

The items recovered from the two groups included laptops, gas bottles, television sets, play stations, phones, speakers, keyboards, refrigerators and other household equipment and electronic devices. 

“…most of the goods which were stolen have been collected by the victims of this gang. For some which were carried out a long time; it was too late and we could not get back the goods as they had already sold them,” Commissioner Medou disclosed.

Calls on population to be supportive

Commissioner Medou said though just few complaints were received, after the arrest, they discovered that the suspects had more than 50 victims.

While appealing for more collaboration and tip offs from the population, he reassured that measures have been taken to beef up security in affected neighbourhoods and police officers constantly at the disposal of the population for interventions. 

“If you have a neighbour and you are not sure of his or her behaviour or if they behave in a suspicious way, just come and report to us. Don’t neglect, we can analyse and know exactly what have to be done. So, we want the population to trust the police and have total confidence in the police and share the information they can have,” Commissioner Medou appealed. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3351 of Monday January 27, 2025