English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested another group of 16 individuals suspected to be part of a cattle-theft ring, bringing the total of number of those arrested to 53.
The group of 16 was paraded before the press on May 1 in Rwamagana – and they are believed to have concentrated their illegal operations in the districts of Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Kayonza.
Among those arrested included farm-workers, abattoir and butcher operators, vehicle drivers and middle-men who linked all the involved in the crime.
Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Celestin Twahirwa, revealed that since the beginning of the Police operation to crackdown this ring, 80 cows had been reported missing in those three districts.
“They tried to operate in a sophisticated way whereby; farm-workers collaborated with thieves and abattoir operators to guide cattle from private farms. Upon reaching the abattoirs, the cattle were immediately slaughtered and transported to be sold in Kigali,” he said.
“We investigated the crime and apprehended many, and some of them cooperated with Police to provide evidence which enabled us to arrest more suspects. This is a heinous crime that had become a menace in the Eastern Province.”
CSP Twahirwa noted that on top of this activities being detrimental to the economy and wellbeing of residents, the beef sold from such criminals is usually unhealthy for human consumption because of the channels they use to sneak it into the market.
“Those involved in this crime do not care for the wellbeing of Rwandans. All they care about is making money and they will not hesitate to sell beef that is bad for consumption. Therefore, anyone with information that can help to further crackdown on this ring should reach out to Police in a timely manner.”
Upon conviction, the suspects are liable to a term of imprisonment between six months and two years and a fine between two and five times the value of the stolen property or one of the penalties, according to article 300 of the Penal Code.
