Three Hawkers jailed for failing to combat crime

By BEATRICE WAMUYU

Three hawkers were jailed for six months each for refusing to help a woman as she was being robbed in Mombasa.

The court was told that as she cried for help, the three folded their arms “and watched as if it was a movie.”

On October 5, 1985, Florence Kamau was passing near the accused’s place of work in Majengo when a man jumped on her and forcefully grabbed her neck. He cut off the necklace she was wearing and fled with it. The area was known for high rates of crime including pickpocketing.

The three — Pascal Henerico, Mwaura Katana and Venard Mwatula — just watched despite jointly knowing the thug’s intention, the prosecution said. It was around 4.30pm

The woman then reported the matter to the authorities who took action by arresting the accused. They were charged with failing to prevent a thug from stealing. They pleaded guilty to the charge.

Sentencing them, resident magistrare JR Karanja said: “If members of public do not help in combating crime, then the rate would definitely increase.”