The town of Kribi is breathing a sigh of relief following the arrest of a group of individuals suspected of terrorizing the localities of SOCAPALM and HEVECAM. These arrests, which occurred after several weeks of investigation, were followed by a presentation to the press this Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Among those arrested is CAT Thomas Jude, alias "Mère Poule" or "Chacal," presented as the main suspect. He is accused of serious acts, including violence, rape, and theft. Other individuals have also been arrested, including NDONG Edwine Samuel, suspected of receiving stolen goods after allegedly buying stolen motorcycles, as well as Wawa, a member of a vigilance committee at SOCAPALM, already known to security services for theft. Edande Garlis Mbatcha, alias "Nkul Back," is accused of providing Indian hemp to the main suspect on the night of Mrs. Sadjo's murder.
Investigators link this group to several crimes that have deeply affected local populations. Among the victims are Mrs. Sadjo Martine, killed on February 1, 2026, two students from the bilingual high school of rural Kribi, Zeh Eyamo, 18, and Anonina Deli, as well as Wamba Simplice, 25, found with his throat cut in his field at SOCAPALM.
The operation, conducted by the Kribi gendarmerie company under the direction of Commander Dassi Modeste, mobilized significant resources. The investigations were based in particular on the exploitation of crime scenes, targeted checks, and a search in several localities. The main suspect was arrested in Fifinda, in possession of the motorcycle of one of the victims. The other members of the network were then arrested, including an accomplice already incarcerated.
The suspects were brought before the Kribi prosecutor's office this Tuesday, March 17, 2026, and are expected to be placed in provisional detention at the central prison, pending further judicial proceedings.
SOCAPALM (Société Camerounaise des Palmeraies) is an agro-industrial company specializing in palm oil production. HEVECAM S.A. is a company located in the Niété region, specializing in the production of latex and plastic products. Both companies are located near Kribi.
These arrests come in a context where serial murder cases have made headlines in other African countries. In July 2024, Kenyan police arrested Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, a 33-year-old man, who confessed to killing 42 women since 2022. The bodies of some victims were found in a landfill in Nairobi.
