Detectives in Mombasa have arrested a robbery with violence suspect after a chilling CCTV clip showing a brutal attack on a night watchman spread across social media, prompting an intense manhunt by law enforcement.

In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest, saying, “A team of officers from Mombasa DCI Regional Headquarters, together with their counterparts from DCI Urban and Tononoka Police Station, have apprehended a notorious robbery with violence suspect.”

The widely circulated footage captured the suspect, armed with a panga and accompanied by an accomplice, confronting an unsuspecting watchman before fleeing with his mobile phone.

The incident sparked public outrage and renewed calls for swift action against violent crime in the coastal city.

According to the DCI, forensic leads guided officers to Bondeni “A,” where they tracked down Salim Keya Ngesa at a local guest house.

“Thanks to forensic leads, they trailed down Salim Keya Ngesa to a guest house in Bondeni ‘A,’ where he was hiding, subsequently arresting him,” the agency said.

During the arrest, police recovered six assorted mobile phones, a blood-stained panga, two knives, and a greyish kanzu believed to match clothing seen in the CCTV footage.

Investigators described the items as “incriminating evidence” linking the suspect to the attack.

The DCI added that the suspect is currently in custody and undergoing processing ahead of his court appearance.

“Detectives are hot on the heels of his elusive accomplice, who remains on the run,” the statement noted.

Authorities urged members of the public to assist with information, reminding citizens, “Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!”

The arrest marks a significant step in addressing violent robberies in Mombasa, as police intensify efforts to bring all those involved to justice.