Mombasa,KENYA:Three suspects have been detained by a Mombasa court for allegedly vandalizing a section of the standard gauge railway SGR.
The police have said that Samuel Kamau Maina,Joseph Mbugua,James Ndichu Mburu were arrested on the 29th May,2017 by special crime prevention unit at Voi town after they were linked to the destruction of a section of the SGR within Mariakani area.
The section of the railway was destroyed on the night of the 27th and reported by China road and Bridge Corporation to the Mariakani police station.
The senior principal prosecution Mr. Alexandar Muteti on Tuesday told court that the property vandalized included a section of protective steel fencing, eight side metal bar,64 pieces of 3 feet heavy gauge steel bars ,bolts and nuts of yet to be established value.
Muteti further added that the suspects were in the possession of the assorted railways parts that form vandalized on the SGR when they were arrested.
The destruction coming right before an official launch of the train on 31st May.
The scene of the crime reveals that a lorry was used to load and ferry the items which were later distributed to the various yards, an affidavit sworn by police constable Jonstone Libese stated.
Mr.Muteti also said another suspect was arraigned in Mariakani court on Monday in connection to the destruction of the SGR.
The police also opposed the suspects being released stating in an affidavit that the suspects may take a flight or interfere with the evidence and potential witness.
‘Suspects have no smelting plants and therefore it is absolutely necessary to establish the business magnets behind the economic sabotage and the complicity in other crimes that due to the sensitivity of the investigation may not be revealed’the part of the affidavit read.
The police told court that they required 21 days to enable them complete the investigation and make the necessary prosecution decision which they said may include preferring of capital charges once investigation is completed.
Mombasa resident magistrate Lilian Lewa ordered the suspects detained at Mariakani for 21 days to allow police complete investigations citing the matter is of public interest.
The case to be mentioned on 14th June.
