Cameroon police arrest taxi robbers who targeted women in Yaoundé

The gang, composed of three men, operated in different parts of the city, using taxis with fake or stolen license plates to lure and attack unsuspecting female passengers, who were then robbed of their belongings and sometimes assaulted.

The police said they apprehended the gang on Monday night on Boulevard du 20 Mai, one of the main avenues of the city, after a tip-off from a victim who had managed to escape and alert the authorities.

The police said they seized several items from the gang, including knives, mobile phones, handbags, and cash. They also recovered the taxi used by the gang, which had a license plate number that did not match the vehicle registration.

The police said they were investigating the gang’s links to other criminal networks and activities, and urged the public to be vigilant and cautious when using taxis in the city.

Taxi robberies are a common and serious problem in Yaoundé, as well as in other parts of Cameroon, according to various sources¹²³. The perpetrators often use fake or stolen license plates, and sometimes work in collusion with the drivers, to lure and attack unsuspecting passengers, who are then robbed, assaulted, or even kidnapped.

The police said they were working to improve the security and the regulation of the taxi sector, by ensuring that all vehicles have valid and visible license plates, and that all drivers have proper identification and registration.

They also advised the public to avoid taxis that are not marked or that have tinted windows, to verify the license plate and the driver’s identity, to share the taxi details with a friend or a relative, and to use alternative and safer modes of transport, such as buses or motorcycles.