Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested seven members of the same gang suspected to be behind series of violent theft in Kamonyi District.

The ring was arrested on Thursday, September 30, in Rukoma and Ngamba sectors following credible information provided by residents.

The Police spokesperson for the Southern region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said that five of the suspects were arrested in Rugarama village, Kazirabonde cell, Ngamba sector.

They are Evode Kirezi, 30, Martin Segatwa, 40, Jean Pierre Niyigaba, 28, Vianney Sibomana, 42, and Gaspard Twagirimana, 60.

Two other members of the ring; Adolphe Rugira, 45, and Xavier Maniraguha, 36, were arrested in Nyenge and Rugarama villages, respectively, in Rukoma sector.

"The group armed with traditional weapons including machetes, were ambushing people, assaulting them and violently robbing them," SP Kanamugire said.

The suspects were handed over to RIB at Rukoma station for further legal process.

Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that, any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, a community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.

In article 167, however, the penalty for theft doubles if the act was carried out at night or by more than one person.