Suspect found in possession of a haul of stolen goods
By Nformi Ngi Jones Tamfu
It was a scene defined by exuberant devotion and a rare sense of national unity. As Pope Leo XIV graced Cameroon for his historic three-day visit, thousands of citizens – ranging from devout Catholics to adherents of traditional African beliefs converged on the 101 Air Base in Mvan to seek spiritual renewal.
But as the faithful closed their eyes in prayer, a few brazen individuals saw not a sacred opportunity, but a criminal one.
The solemnity of the event was shattered for the Pope’s official entourage when an audacious thief managed to steal the mobile phone of the Pontiff’s personal photographer.
According to reports from Notre Platform d’Information, the theft occurred amidst the dense crowds at the 101 Air Base. The suspect didn’t stop there; several other attendees reported missing wallets and bags as the Mass progressed.
Law enforcement officers moved swiftly as the volume of complaints mounted. Following a rapid investigation, gendarmes officers apprehended a male suspect found in possession of a haul of stolen goods, including the photographer’s phone, money, and a waist bag. The suspect remains in custody and is expected to face charges before competent authorities.
The photographer was not the only media professional targeted. Authorities are currently hunting for a second individual identified via video surveillance for the alleged theft of a mobile phone belonging to a journalist from Radio France International (RFI).
For victim Louis Marie Kakdeu, the loss was more than just financial, it was a profound shock to the soul. Kakdeu, who lost a work phone he described as being as vital as his computer, expressed disbelief at the boldness of the criminals.
“As we stood in in prayers with the Pope, someone positioned close to me managed to stealthily take my phone,” Kakdeu said. “I glanced around at the assembly of devout individuals and I wondered how could someone in such a sacred space resort to stealing?”
Despite the “immeasurable” loss of his data, Kakdeu chose to lean into the very Christian values the Pope traveled to promote.
“I took a moment to pray that the culprit may receive the grace they were ostensibly seeking during this divine encounter,” he stated, adding a plea that his contacts not be scammed by the thief.
While the arrests have provided some restitution, the incidents have cast a shadow over the logistics of the massive gathering.
As the visit concludes, the nation is left grappling with a stark contrast: a weekend of divine blessings marred by the all-too-human reality of opportunism.
