Two arrested for stealing patients’ phones in Machakos hospital

Two suspected gangsters have been arrested for stealing phones belonging to patients at Machakos Level 5 Hospital.

The duo was nabbed after their images were captured on the hospital’s CCTV while allegedly stealing the phones in one of the wards on Wednesday.

A senior police officer from Machakos police station confirmed the arrests, stating that they had launched investigations into the incident.

“We are investigating a phone theft syndicate from patients who visit Machakos Level 5 hospital,” he told the Star by phone hours after the arrests.

He said they swung into action after two patients, Patricia Sammy and Magdalene Mueni, reported to have lost their mobile phones as they waited to be served at the public facility early Wednesday.

Sammy said she lost her phone while in the outpatient section. Mueni’s phone was reportedly stolen while she sought medication at the hospital’s X-ray section.

They both reported the matter to the hospital administrator, who resorted to having CCTV cameras installed in the hospital.

Police arrested the first suspect outside the facility.

The suspect, upon interrogation, admitted to having been stealing mobile phones from patients in the facility. He named his accomplice, whom he claimed to have been working together with.

The officers then mounted a manhunt for the second suspect, whom they arrested in Machakos town.

The duo have since been locked up in lawful custody at Machakos police station as police continue with investigations into the incident.

Machakos subcounty criminal investigations officer Nzioka Singi told the public to be vigilant and report such incidents to relevant authorities for necessary action.

Singi told those who had lost their phones in Machakos town and its environs to report to the police for assistance.