Rwanda National Police

In an exemplary depiction of community policing, Police and residents worked together to close down and arrest two suspected motorcycle thieves in Gatsibo District.

The two are believed to have attacked a commercial cyclist in the morning hours of March 11 in Karenge Sector, where they stole his motorcycle and left him for dead after trying to strangle him with a rope.

The District Police Commander of Gatsibo, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Eric Kabera, disclosed that one of the suspects identified as Eric Ndagijimana, 28, lured the victim by requesting to be transported to a construction site in Karenge.

“Upon reaching the site, the second suspect identified as Jean Eric Dusenge who was waiting, suddenly attacked the motorcyclist. Together, they clobbered him and strangled him and after run away with his motorcycle,” CIP Kabera narrated.

“Luckily, he did not die and managed to alert Police and tell his colleagues about what had happened. Immediately, Police began a manhunt, aided by information from motorists who continuously provided information.”

The two were eventually seized by commercial motorcyclists who took them to Police.

They are currently held at Byumba Police station while the victim was rushed to Kizuguro Hospital for treatment.

“Community policing is very important as depicted in this incident, through which motorists worked with Police to ensure that justice is served and criminals are apprehended. Criminals have no place in Rwanda and we should always work together with residents to ensure that peace and safety.”

Theft with violence or threats is punishable by a term of imprisonment of seven to ten years, according to article 303 of the Penal Code.