Police in Mwanza are keeping in custody, Ellen Dereki aged 48 for being involved in cash theft alongside her 10-year-old son, who together allegedly stole K1 million from a local businessperson, Emmanuel Chipondwa.
Mwanza Police Public Relations Officer, Hope Kasakula said the arrest followed after the businessperson reported the matter to police.
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He said investigation revealed that the boy together with his friends who are currently on the run planned and executed the theft at Chipondwa’s house while the suspect’s mother, Ellen Dereki, was fully aware of the syndicate but chose not to act.
“It is reported that the boy and his accomplices had been stealing money from the businessman’s residence for some time but, despite noticing suspicious behavior, Dereki did nothing to stop them,
“Worse still she received part of the stolen money from her son and remained silent,” Kasakula added.
The police publicist said following the boy’s confession, Dereki led officers to a bush where part of the stolen money amounting to K165,000 was recovered.
Dereki is still in police custody as investigations continue while efforts to apprehend the other suspects are underway. Dereki comes from Chimbende Village, Traditional Authority Kanduku in Mwanza District.
