VOI, Kenya – Police have recovered part of a consignment of tyres and motor vehicle spare parts stolen after four suspected robbers allegedly staged a fake traffic accident to hijack an Isuzu lorry along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
The robbery occurred at approximately 2am in the Ndara area, where the suspects reportedly used a white Toyota Probox to force the lorry driver to stop before attacking him and taking control of the vehicle.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the driver, who works for Soucesteel Company, was transporting assorted tyres from Nairobi to Mombasa in an Isuzu FRR lorry, registration number KDW 062X.
The suspects allegedly approached from behind at high speed, overtook the lorry and suddenly applied their brakes, forcing the driver to slow down.
Four occupants then emerged from the Probox, claiming that the lorry had hit their vehicle and demanding to inspect the alleged damage.
However, what appeared to be a minor road incident quickly turned into a robbery.
The suspects allegedly assaulted the driver, bundled him into the lorry’s cabin and drove away with the vehicle and its cargo towards Mombasa.
They later diverted onto a feeder road, abandoned the driver in a thicket and escaped.
The gang also reportedly stole his mobile phone, Sh6,000 in cash and personal clothing.
Police recover 44 tyres and other spare parts
A joint security operation involving officers from Maungu Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) led to the recovery of part of the stolen consignment.
Police recovered 44 assorted tyres of different sizes, 71 filters comprising air, cabin and oil filters, and two PLC gaskets.
The operation involved intensified patrols across Izera Ranch and the Ndara area following the robbery.
The recovered items are believed to form part of the cargo stolen from the lorry, while detectives continue searching for the remaining property.
Detectives pursue suspects
The driver was later escorted to Voi Police Station to assist investigators as detectives pursue leads to identify and arrest the four suspected robbers.
Police are also working to establish the full circumstances of the incident, trace the remaining cargo and recover the stolen lorry.
The National Police Service has urged motorists, particularly those travelling at night, to remain vigilant and exercise caution when approached by strangers claiming to be involved in traffic accidents.
Drivers have also been encouraged to report suspicious encounters to the nearest police station.
The incident highlights the risks facing motorists along major transport corridors, where criminals can exploit staged road incidents to target unsuspecting drivers and cargo vehicles.
