Rwanda National Police

Police in Kayonza District arrested five suspected thieves linked to a number of burglary cases registered in the district in the recent past.

The suspects are said to have been breaking into houses and vehicles especially targeting electronic equipment.

Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Region, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said after thorough investigations with the help of some residents, police officers on September 15, were dispatched to a target area in Mukarange Sector where the main suspect resided.

"They discovered a flat television set valued at over Rwf500,000, belonging to one victim who had reported the theft case to police," said IP Kayigi.

"This initial arrest opened way for further investigations, which helped police to crackdown and arrest four other suspects believed to belong to the same criminal gang."

"Through this operation, police recovered an assortment of electronics valued in millions of francs including desktops, laptops, television sets, scanners, printers, microscopes, music systems and many others."

The arrested suspects include actual robbers, buyers of stolen items, and transporters including commercial motorcyclists and cyclists.

IP Kayigi, revealed that Kayonza residents had been troubled by cases of house break-ins

All suspects are currently detained at Mukarange Police Station pending further investigations.

“Residents of Kayonza needed to get rid of this scourge of burglars, so they partnered with police through provision of information in order to help police investigate and arrest all those involved in these acts,” he said.

“After many successful police operations against crime, Rwandan residents now understand the value of partnership with police – and now we get multiple reports from motorists, residents, traders and others.”

On top of partnering with law enforcers, residents are also advised keep their premises firmly locked at all times, considering that criminals often look for unlocked houses and vehicles to commit "crimes of opportunity."

“Robberies are crimes that often involve violence or threats. While the likelihood of this happening is small, you should be aware of what you can do to keep yourself and your property safe,” IP Kayigi said.

He called upon the public to always report to police immediately, when they face such theft challenges.

Article 300 of the Penal Code stipulates that anyone found guilty of theft without violence or threat shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of two to five times the value of the stolen property or one of the penalties.