A shopping trip allegedly meant to fill two women’s bags with stolen goods came to an abrupt end when their third target refused to play along.
Martha Mbewe, 34, and Angella Banda, 31, are now in police custody after allegedly stealing clothes and baby supplements worth K700,000 from shops in Area 25 before being caught at another shop.
The two, both from Area 23, were arrested on September 24 after a shop owner and community members allegedly caught them attempting to steal at Gulaye.
Kanengo Police public relations officer Sub Inspector Macfarlen Mseteka said the suspects had travelled from Area 23 with a third accomplice, who remains at large.
According to Mseteka, police investigations indicate that the group allegedly stole clothes and baby supplements from shops owned by Faith Pelekezani and Ruth Phiri.
Their alleged spree came to an end when they targeted a third shop owned by Triphonia Duaglas at Gulaye.
Duaglas, assisted by community members, managed to apprehend the two women and handed them over to Kanengo Police.
However, the third suspect escaped before police arrived.
“The total value of the stolen items is estimated at K700,000,” said Mseteka.
Police are continuing investigations to trace the escaped suspect and recover any outstanding stolen merchandise.
Mbewe and Banda are expected to appear in court once police complete the necessary paperwork.
Kanengo Police have commended the shop owner and community members for their vigilance and cooperation, urging the public to report suspicious activities.
Martha Mbewe, 34, and Angella Banda, 31, are now in police custody after allegedly stealing clothes and baby supplements worth K700,000 from shops in Area 25 before being caught at another shop.
The two, both from Area 23, were arrested on September 24 after a shop owner and community members allegedly caught them attempting to steal at Gulaye.
Kanengo Police public relations officer Sub Inspector Macfarlen Mseteka said the suspects had travelled from Area 23 with a third accomplice, who remains at large.
According to Mseteka, police investigations indicate that the group allegedly stole clothes and baby supplements from shops owned by Faith Pelekezani and Ruth Phiri.
Their alleged spree came to an end when they targeted a third shop owned by Triphonia Duaglas at Gulaye.
Duaglas, assisted by community members, managed to apprehend the two women and handed them over to Kanengo Police.
However, the third suspect escaped before police arrived.
“The total value of the stolen items is estimated at K700,000,” said Mseteka.
Police are continuing investigations to trace the escaped suspect and recover any outstanding stolen merchandise.
Mbewe and Banda are expected to appear in court once police complete the necessary paperwork.
Kanengo Police have commended the shop owner and community members for their vigilance and cooperation, urging the public to report suspicious activities.
