New gangs emerge in Mogadishu’s Hilwa district

Criminals have infiltrated motorbike business and are using it as a ruse to commit serious crimes including murder and robbery.

The trend has caused alarm within security agencies, as the gangsters use the fast and manoeuvrable motorcycles to escape from crime scenes.

“Gangsters on motorbikes” has now become a common element of accounts of crime incidents in Mogadishu’s Hilwa district and other districts, with businesses such as fuel stations, pedestrians , and retail outlets being the main targets.

One of the most recent incidents was reported on Saturday in the district.

Three men riding on a motorcycle without number plates were spotted in one of the suburbs of Hilwa district at 9am.

Minutes later they were seen loading gunny bags into a small car, arousing suspicion among traders who alerted the police.

Abdi Mohamed Ali (Not his real name) who spoke to Goobjoog News said members of the group are aged between 13 to 18 years.

“Gangsters riding on motorbikes are of particular concern because it is easier for them to escape (from crime scenes),” said Ali.

He expressed fear saying the gangs are suspected to have been formed as there is not a nearby police station.

He said majority of the gang members were drug users.

One of the most shocking motorbike gang attacks was the one in which Abdi Mohamed, who was a resident of the district was killed in May.

He was driving his car on a narrow road when a motorcycle carrying three men drew close. they held him at gunpoint but he tried to struggle but killed and snatched his mobile phone and wallet, according to Ali