Rwanda National Police

Police in Gatsibo district has arrested four people said to be behind series of cattle theft and recovered all the 19 cows stolen from various farmers in the Eastern Province.

The quartet identified as Emmanuel Gashongore, Jean Claude Uwamungu, Charles Nkurunziza and Justin Gashirampaka were apprehended red-handed loading the cows in a truck in Bugarama village, Nyagasiga cell of Rugarama sector, on December 23 at about 12:00am.

The cows were stolen from various farm in the region this week, Police said.

The suspects are currently detained at Kiramuruzi police station as investigations continue.

Gashirampaka is separately facing another charge of attempted bribery after he tried to bribe a police officer with Rwf40, 000 to flee him.

“We had received cases of cows that were stolen in Gatsibo, but in the night of Tuesday at about midnight, we received information from members of the public that there are people loading cows on truck and we immediately rushed to the scene and found and found out that they had no authorization or any other document indicating that what they were doing was legal and we apprehended them for further investigations,” Supt. Gerald Habiyambere said.

“But we later found out that these were the same cattle that were reported as stolen after owners showed up to check for their missing cows,” he added.

By Wednesday evening, some of the farmers had already collected their cows.

“We appeal to all whose cows are missing to come at Kabeza cattle market and see if they are among the recovered,” Supt. Habiyambere noted.

He commended members of the public who gave timely information that led to the recovery of the stolen livestock and arrest of culprits.

“Rwandans should be wide open especially in these festivities because as they plan to enjoy, there are those that plan to take advantage to steal. Night patrols should be tightened and families should also take precautions, make sure they have closed doors and windows and at least leave someone at home if they are going away for celebrations,” he noted.

“Police will continue to ensure their safety, but it’s imperative that they also take domestic measures to prevent such criminal activities.”