120 Arrested in Crackdown on ‘Panga Boys’ Gang in Kwale
Kwale police have intensified their crackdown on the notorious machete-wielding gang known as “Panga Boys,” leading to the arrest of 120 suspects in a week-long operation aimed at restoring security in Diani. The gang has been terrorizing residents, prompting law enforcement to take swift action.
According to Msambweni Sub-County police commander Robinson Lang’at, 63 of the suspects have already been taken to court, while officers have sought a 14-day extension to detain 33 others for further investigations. An additional 16 suspects are set to be arraigned in court on Monday. Lang’at emphasized that the operation will continue until the gang is completely dismantled, ensuring that residents can go about their lives without fear.
During the operation, police recovered seven machetes, believed to have been used in criminal activities, alongside 18 rolls of bhang and multiple mobile phones suspected to be stolen. The authorities are working to trace the owners of the confiscated items and link the evidence to reported crimes.
Security measures are also being heightened ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations. Lang’at assured residents that police patrols will be intensified to prevent any criminal activities during the festivities. Beach operators have been advised to vacate the shores by 6 PM as part of the security strategy.
The crackdown on the ‘Panga Boys’ gang comes amid growing concerns over rising criminal activities in the coastal region. Authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals to the police as efforts to eliminate gang-related crime continue.
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120 Arrested in Crackdown on ‘Panga Boys’ Gang in Kwale