Buea, Cameroon – The residents of Buea, a town located in the Fako Division of the South West Region of Cameroon, took matters into their own hands and apprehended two phone burglars, aged 13 and 15, for breaking into a phone shop in their neighborhood.
The incident occurred in the early hours of November 2, 2023, at approximately 2 a.m. MMI has learned. The quick and determined response of the local community led to the apprehension of the two young boys as they attempted to flee in the Longstreet neighborhood.
MMI obtained video footage that revealed the two teenagers demonstrating their successful access to the phone shop through the ceiling. They had gathered electronic devices from the shop.
The incident has sparked reactions from the public. Many view the actions of the teenagers as indicative of a broader societal problem of rising insecurity within the city. “The society has failed us. These children have done nothing wrong. They are but children and only learn from society!” commented Vincent Josh.
Cleopatra Mimi expressed sympathy for the young boys, stating, “This is no laughing matter. I pity these kids. Both parents failed… The decisions we take today will always follow us, positively or negatively.”
On the other hand, some community members suspect that an older individual may have influenced the children to commit the crime. “An elderly person surely brought them there. He has surely run away, and the kids are refusing to reveal the truth. I am saying so because I have lived in such a situation. I know for sure those kids didn’t commit it on their own,” remarked Royalty.
Following a period of public anger, the two teenagers received a stern reprimand from the community and were subsequently handed over to law enforcement authorities. They were reportedly transported to the Buea Central Prison.
This incident underscores the complex challenges faced by young individuals in difficult circumstances and prompts a broader conversation about the support systems and opportunities available to vulnerable youth in the community.
