Yaoundé "Hospital Bandit" Apprehended After Months of Preying on Patients (Update)

For months, patients at the Central Hospital, Military Hospital, and others have been victims of a thief who specifically targeted those confined to their beds. The culprit, yet to be identified, focused on stealing mobile phones from unsuspecting patients.

The capture, however, was not by hospital security but by a vigilant patient. According to local sources, a patient at the Central Hospital, feigning sleep, observed the thief entering their room. The patient then confronted and apprehended the suspect until authorities arrived.

"This is a huge relief for our patients and staff," said a spokesperson for the Central Hospital, who declined to be named due to security protocols. "These thefts caused not only a loss of valuables but also a disruption of communication for patients often relying on their phones to connect with loved ones."

Police Investigation Underway

Yaoundé police have confirmed the arrest and are currently investigating the suspect. It is unclear how many hospitals were targeted or the total number of phones stolen. Police are urging any victim of such thefts to come forward and file a report.

Modus Operandi and Motive Unclear

While the thief's specific method of operation remains unclear, their focus on hospitalized individuals suggests a calculated strategy. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind these thefts, with some speculating it could be a targeted resale operation or opportunistic crime.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of patients in healthcare settings. It remains to be seen if hospitals will implement additional security measures in response to this crime.