Police officers have recovered part of a consignment of assorted tyres and motor vehicle spare parts stolen after four suspected robbers hijacked an Isuzu lorry along the Nairobi–Mombasa Highway in the Ndara area.
The recovery followed a coordinated security operation involving officers from Maungu Police Station and detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who launched intensified patrols across Izera Ranch and Ndara following the robbery.
According to the DCI, the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 am when a driver employed by Soucesteel Company was transporting assorted tyres from Nairobi to Mombasa in an Isuzu FRR lorry, registration number KDW 062X.
The driver told police that a white Toyota Probox approached from behind, overtook the lorry and suddenly braked, forcing him to slow down.
Four occupants subsequently emerged from the vehicle, claiming that the lorry had hit their car and demanding to inspect the alleged damage.
However, the purported traffic dispute turned into a robbery when the suspects allegedly attacked the driver, bundled him into the lorry’s cabin and took control of the vehicle.
The suspects reportedly drove towards Mombasa before diverting onto a feeder road, where they abandoned the driver in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo.
The gang also allegedly stole the driver’s mobile phone, Ksh6,000 in cash and assorted personal clothing.
In a statement, the DCI said the subsequent operation led to the recovery of 44 assorted tyres of different sizes, 71 filters comprising air, cabin and oil filters, as well as two PLC gaskets, all believed to be part of the stolen consignment.
The driver was later escorted to Voi Police Station to assist detectives with investigations as officers pursue leads to recover the remaining stolen property and apprehend the suspects.
The National Police Service commended the officers involved for their swift response and coordinated efforts, reaffirming its commitment to protecting motorists and securing major transport corridors against criminal activities.
Motorists, particularly those travelling at night, have also been urged to remain vigilant and exercise caution when approached by suspicious motorists.
