Three suspects have been arrested in connection with a disturbing case of robbery with violence and gang rape in Butere, following a coordinated operation by detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and the Operation Action Team (OAT).
According to investigators, the incident occurred on the night of January 28, 2026, when the assailants broke into a local shop under the cover of darkness. They attacked the female shopkeeper, subjected her to a brutal assault, and escaped with goods worth approximately Sh200,000 alongside an undisclosed amount of cash.
“Detectives acted on credible intelligence and swiftly launched a manhunt that led to the arrest of two suspects in Mabungo village. Upon interrogation, they provided information that enabled us to apprehend a third suspect in Shirota village,” a senior officer involved in the investigation said. “We are committed to ensuring justice is served and such acts are decisively dealt with.”
The operation extended to Sabatia Market, where a fourth suspect, believed to be a handler of stolen goods, was arrested. Police recovered several mobile phones suspected to be part of the stolen items.
“This was a heinous act that caused immense trauma to the victim and fear within the community. We urge members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by sharing information,” the officer added.
All suspects remain in custody pending arraignment, while recovered items have been secured as exhibits. Authorities have reiterated calls for the public to report crime anonymously through established hotlines.
