By Twink Jones Gadama
Three elderly women, all above the age of 60, are being held in custody by the Mangochi police for allegedly stealing from a Chipiku store. The women, identified as Diana Thukuwa, 60, Rose Samson, 66, and Lucy Mangani, 64, were arrested on Thursday morning after shop attendants discovered the stolen items hidden on their persons.
According to Police Public Relations Officer for Mangochi, Amina Daudi, the women entered the Chipiku store and stole a five-liter fuel jerry can, which they hid in their hip waste. Additionally, they allegedly stole some groceries, which they concealed in their bras.
Daudi explained that the shop attendants became suspicious when they noticed the women walking with difficulty. Upon searching them, the stolen items were discovered, leading to their arrest.
What is even more astonishing is that one of the women, Diana Thukuwa, had just been released from prison after serving a two-year sentence for a similar offense. Furthermore, the other two women, Rose Samson and Lucy Mangani, were on police bail for similar offenses.
The incident has raised concerns about the increasing trend of elderly individuals engaging in criminal activities. While the reasons behind their actions are not yet clear, it is evident that these women have been involved in a pattern of behavior that is both surprising and disturbing.
The police have commended the shop attendants for their vigilance and swift action, which led to the arrest of the suspects. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being mindful of one’s surroundings and reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
As the investigation continues, the police are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. The women are expected to appear in court soon to face charges related to the alleged theft.
In the meantime, the community is left to ponder the circumstances that led to the arrest of these three elderly women. While their actions are in no way justifiable, it is essential to consider the underlying factors that may have contributed to their behavior.
As the country grapples with the challenges of an aging population, it is crucial to address the social and economic issues that may be driving elderly individuals to engage in criminal activities. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more supportive and inclusive society that values the contributions of all its members, regardless of age.
The incident also highlights the need for increased awareness and education about the consequences of crime, particularly among the elderly population. By working together, we can prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and ensure that our communities remain safe and secure for all.
