This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On October 6, 2019, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) issued a warning to the public against buying electronic gadgets, including mobile phones, laptops, and TV sets, from unregistered dealers.
The DCI emphasized that members of the public should purchase electronic devices from dealers who have a fixed physical address and have conspicuously displayed the requisite authorization documents, including licenses, permits, and other local or national approvals.
According to the DCI, unregistered dealers often trade in stolen goods, some of which have been robbed from murdered victims.
“It is risky and dangerous to buy any electronic device from suspicious outlets. Most are those who buy stolen items from armed gangsters who have violently robbed innocent citizens and in the process kill and maim them,” reads the statement.
The DCI further reiterated that in case anyone is found to have purchased a stolen electronic gadget, they risk prosecution and may face severe consequences, including death sentences.
Electronic dealers have also been urged to record the details of sold goods for security purposes and to mark every electronic gadget bought by a customer with indelible initials for safety and security purposes.
“In case of any doubt that you may be harbouring any gadget of suspicious source, please and in confidence report at any police station or DCI office,” the DCI advised.
