Twenty-seven young people suspected of belonging to the armed gang locally known as “microbes” have been transferred to the Kondengui Central Prison in Yaounde under administrative custody.
The suspects, aged between 16 and 23, were arrested after a violent attack on the Mokolo Market in Yaoundé on June 6 shook the city and left everyone pointing fingers at the “microbes” gang.
Gendarmes swung into action after the attack and that night they arrested 14 young men reportedly linked to the attack.
According to government sources, the 14 are accused of disturbing public order and inciting insurrection.
They allegedly sowed panic and terror in one of the capital city’s busiest commercial areas, the Mokolo market, acting in what authorities describe as an “organized criminal gang.”
Their transfer to Kondengui prison was publicised by the Senior Divisional Officer of Mfoundi, Emmanuel Mariel Djikdent, in a release.
Before their transfer to Kondengui, the suspects were held at the territorial gendarmerie brigade of Mfoundi.
They now face possible prosecution under Cameroon’s Penal Code, specifically for charges including criminal association, looting, public disorder, and theft, offenses punishable under Law No. 2016/007 of July 12, 2016, and Law No. 90/054 of December 19, 1990, relating to the maintenance of public order.
In another development, security forces again arrested 13 suspected “microbes” last weekend and they are currently under investigation.
The Minister of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji Paul, has ordered a thorough inquiry to uncover the masterminds and sponsors of these coordinated attacks.
Authorities say police and gendarmes have restored calm in Mokolo and surrounding areas, which have seen more security deployments.
These arrests come amidst growing public concern over rising urban criminality linked to youth gangs in Cameroon’s major cities.
“Microbes” attacks are not a novelty in Cameroon. They have repeatedly attacked residents in Douala using machetes and knives to force money and other valuables out of people.
