Police arrest Tanzanian couple over stupefying syndicate in Mombasa

Mombasa police have apprehended a Tanzanian couple, Pius Paskale Frugenze, 52, and his wife Redempta Revelian Kuleta, 47, allegedly involved in a syndicate that allegedly drugged unsuspecting bus passengers before stealing their belongings. The suspects were taken into custody at their home in Magongo after police investigated a reported incident of a passenger on a Dreamline bus from Nairobi to Mombasa being drugged during the journey.

According to police, the passenger was seated next to someone who allegedly administered a stupefying substance, causing him to lose consciousness. The victim later regained consciousness at Tudor Sub-County Hospital and discovered his bag and personal belongings were missing. Detectives from Makupa Police Station began investigations and traced the case to the couple's residence, where they recovered the victim's HP laptop and iPhone 17 Pro Max, along with other stolen items.

These items included various mobile phones, 20 phone chargers, 10 wristwatches, 20 wallets and assorted clothing.

Additionally, authorities seized substances believed to be stupefying drugs, which will serve as evidence in the case. The arrest of the couple is seen as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into potential similar incidents involving passengers on long-distance buses. Both suspects are currently in police custody while investigators work to determine if they are connected to other similar cases.

The recovered items have been detained as exhibits, and detectives continue their efforts to identify their rightful owners and uncover the full scope of the alleged syndicate's activities.