Rwanda National Police

Five people, who have been buying and selling petroleum products on the black market, were arrested Saturday in Nyanza District.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson of the Southern region, the suspects were at the time caught with 44 litres of diesel.

Also seized during the operation are 1000 empty jerrycans, which they were using in their unlawful petroleum business.

"The diesel and empty jerrycans were found in the store in Gasoro Cell, Kigoma Sector of Nyanza District. The empty jerrycans were smelling diesel and petrol; it's said that they had already sold part of the fuels," said CIP Twajamahoro.

He identified the suspects as Catherine Musabyimana, 53, Claude Habagusenga, 23, Cyriaque Ndayisenga, 28, Sergent Mwambari, 26, and Donathe Gahongayire, 29.

"They were either buying or stealing the fuels from trucks and trailers in their parking yards in Gasoro and Nyakabungo located in Gasoro cell."

"Information about their illegal business was provided by the local residents. Police and local leaders worked together in the cordon-and-search leading to the arrest of the five suspects."

CIP Twajamahoro warned of "continuous operations and illegal and dangerous sell of petroleum products in houses."

"It is prohibited and dangerous to do such kind of business. We urge the public to refuel only at fuel stations which are legally allowed to sell fuels. Storing such flammables in your house, at any time they can ignite fire, torch the facilities around and kill people."

The spokesperson appealed to the public to always report illegal dealers in petroleum products on 112, 0788311155 and all other known Rwanda National Police (RNP) communication channels.