This archive report was first published on 4 October 2019.
10 Tricks Used by Matatu Pickpockets ¶
Published on October 4, 2019
Matatu pickpockets are known for their cunning and stealthy ways of stealing valuables from unsuspecting passengers. They combine human psychology and skills to execute their tricks, often without the victim even realizing what's happening.
One of the most common tricks used by matatu pickpockets is the 'kushuta' trick, where a person seated next to you breaks wind and forces you to open the window, allowing their accomplice to grab your phone.
- Kushuta!
Another trick is the 'shukisha hapo mbele' trick, where a pickpocket pretends to rise as if alighting at the next stop, but as you give way, they get the chance to steal your phone.
- Shukisha hapo mbele
They also use the 'fungua dirisha' trick, where they pretend to be affected by the weather and request you to open the window, providing an opportunity for them to act.
- Fungua dirisha
Additionally, pickpockets have mastered the art of scaring passengers to buckle up, claiming there is an 'operation' and as passengers buckle up, their itchy fingers get busy 'walking' inside your pockets.
- Funga mshipi
They also take advantage of passengers whom they harakisha to alight at the end of the journey, claiming traffic cops are about to pounce and 'stage ni mwisho shukeni haraka tafadhali!' It is during the commotion to alight that they take advantage since your attention has been diverted.
- Shukeni haraka
Another trick is the 'niitie huyo jamaa' trick, where a pickpocket places an envelope across your lap with the request, 'niitie huyo jamaa hapo mbele,' and thus exposing yourself.
- Niitie huyo jamaa
They also use the 'upepo ya dirisha' trick, where they hop into a matatu that is not full and shift from one seat to another, claiming 'nataka kukaa karibu na dirisha' and in the process, they pinch your pocket or purse during the 'transfer' from seats.
- Upepo ya dirisha
Furthermore, pickpockets know young people love free Wi-Fi for checking Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Telegram posts, and telling you to toa simu kuna free Wi-Fi will see the eager ones unleashing their pricey phones, giving them a chance to size up the most expensive to pinch.
- Kuna Wi-Fi
Lastly, pickpockets jokingly use the 'chungeni mifuko' trick to know if someone has money before embarking on a serious mission.
- Chungeni mifuko
