A middle-aged man has been shot dead by police officers near Withethie along the thika super highway after snatching a woman's handbag.

Francis Njuguna, chairman of Nyumba Kumi, said the deceased was on a motorbike with others who were reportedly running after stealing a purse and a phone from a lady.

PHOTO | COURTESY the body being removed

Witnesses claim that cops on patrol pursued and shot the dead while his accomplices escaped.

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Njuguna stated that thefts on the busy motorway are disturbing, with young males hiding in culverts after snatching from unsuspecting public members.

He stated that the police officers were performing their jobs properly and urged other security agencies to work with community people to eliminate crime in the area.

PHOTO | COURTESY police at the scene

Thika Sub-county police chief Lawrence Muchangi confirmed the occurrence, saying they got information from members of the public who reported a gunshot in the area, so they went to the spot and discovered the corpse of a young guy in the thickets.

According to the police chief, early investigations show that the deceased reportedly stole a purse and a phone from a woman on the road.

He was shot and killed while attempting to flee the crime scene.