Police in Kiambu County have launched probe into an incident where a G3 rifle was recovered from an armed individual who was fatally injured by a mob in Magana area of Thika East Sub-County.

In a statement released by the National Police Service (NPS), officers from Munyu Police Station received a report from a local administration concerning mob justice incident in progress.

After a swift response and containing the situation, the officers secured a G3 rifle, two magazines, 68 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, additional blank rounds, a penknife and other personal items.

“Upon receiving information from the local administration, officers from Munyu Police Station rushed to the scene. There, they recovered a G3 rifle along with two magazines, 68 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, additional blank rounds, a penknife, and other related items,” NPS statement read.

“The firearm and ammunition have been secured and placed in police custody for further forensic and ballistic analysis,” the statement added.

According to the police, the recovered firearm is linked to a previous occurrence where a police firearm got lost within the Sub-County, and is believed to have been used in criminal activities prior to the public altercation.

NPS however urged members of the public to report acts of crime instead of taking matters in their own hands.

“The National Police Service appeals to members of the public to refrain from acts of mob injustice and instead to report suspected criminal activities to law enforcement authorities for appropriate and lawful action,” NPS stated.

The Service also encouraged public cooperation in the ongoing efforts to recover illegal firearms and enhance national security.