Rwanda National Police

Police in the City of Kigali have recovered two local registered vehicles stolen recently in Kigali.

The vehicles both Carina type, registration number RAB 479K belonging to one Ronald Ngabo and RAC 387Q belonging to Aaron Ndenga, were recovered separately in Mumena, Nyamirambo Sector of Nyarugenge District on August 1.

The vehicle registration number RAB 479K was stolen from the parking yard at Kisementi on July 27 while the second one was reportedly stolen on July 7 in Gikondo Sector of Kicukiro District.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa said the main suspect in the theft of the vehicle RAB 479K identified as Christian Mugisha has also been arrested.

“Following the two separate robberies, police mounted investigations after victims filed the case and with the help of residents of Nyamirambo, who gave us information, we spotted and recovered the cars on  Monday night, where the suspect Mugisha was also caught disassembling parts of the car,” he said.

Mugisha, who is currently detained at Rwezamenyo Police station as Police proceeds with the investigations, apparently intended to sell the vehicle in spare parts.

The second car was recovered moments later with some spare parts missing.

“Car theft is a very rare crime in Rwanda, but even when it happens, we have in all occasions managed to recover them and arrested the suspects,” ACP Twahirwa added.

He emphasized that target hardening by ensuing no intruder gets easy access  into your car, immediate reporting if it happens and information sharing are vital tools in recovering stolen items and arresting culprits.

He further appealed to the general public to refrain from buying stolen items or goods from the black market to avoid being accomplices in a crime.

ACP Twahirwa  pointed out that  "the  moment we accept buying such spare parts from sellers who can not prove original source of goods then we are  proving a market for stolen items and this evil will not stop and can never be tolerated". he said