Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested 16 people suspected to be behind series of cattle theft in the districts of Nyarugenge, Gasabo, Rulindo, Gakenke, and Gicumbi. 

They were paraded to the media on Wednesday, December 18, at Kigali metropolitan Police headquarters in Remera, Gasabo District.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga said that the suspects are in two separate rackets.

"The ringleader of the first group of 11 people, who is among those arrested, had assigned his members with specific responsibilities.

They include those tasked with identifying homes with cattle in various districts, those slaughtering them in the bush and transporters.

They also include a motorcyclist and a casual worker charged with transporting the meat from different locations to a butchery in Muhima, Nyarugenge District," ACP Rutikanga said.

He added that Police in collaboration with other security agencies and the public, first arrested a casual worker, after he was found with blood-stained clothes, leading to the arrested of the whole chain.

The motorcyclist admitted to transporting meat on about 15 occasions, from Rulindo and Jali to the butchery, whose owner is also among those arrested.

The second group, whose ringleader is still at large, consists of five people.

It also includes  those, who were charged with stealing cows, those who were slaughtering them while others were buying and selling the meat especially in Nduba Sector, Gasabo District.

"This group was stealing cows from different farms and homes, slaughtering them from the ringleader's banana plantation. They had attempted to plant narcotic drugs in the vehicle of an individual, whom they suspected of reporting their criminal activities," ACP Rutikanga explained.

According to investigations, they bought cannabis, planted it in the car, which was parked outside the would-be victim's home, and called security organs.

Investigations, ACP Rutikanga said, unearthed the set-up adding that this was a failed strategy to cover up their criminal activities.

"The tricks used by these rackets are known and money people involved in different parts of the country, have been arrested. These are ongoing operations to break these cattle theft chains, and to bring them to justice. In fact, identities of some of the suspects are known and they are being tracked down," the spokesperson said.