Rwanda National Police

A man in Rubavu district run out of luck on May 28 when he tried to steal a car but was arrested shortly after take off.

 Evariste Uwimana currently detained at Gisenyi Police station allegedly tried to steal a Toyota Corolla plate number RRA 816L belonging to one Joseph Iryamukuru, using a forged car key.

 Police spokesperson for the Western region, Supt. Emmanuel Hitayezu said the suspect was arrested in Gisa Cell of Rugerero Sector as he tried to speed away with the stolen car at about 10pm.

 "Investigations have indicated that the suspect stole the car from where it was parked next to a bar using a forged key but when he started it, the owner heard it and immediately informed people in the nearby, who apprehended him in few kilometres as he was driving away, and handed him to Police," Supt. Hitayezu said.

 "When something happens in a community, the response should be the responsibility of everyone in the neighborhood. That way, people will be able to ensure their own security in the spirit of community policing and supplement police in its activities to ensure law and order."

 The suspect, who confessed to the crime, said he had already secured a buyer, whom he said was to pay him Rwf200, 000.

 He couldn't  however, diverge more details, if the would-be buyer was in or across the border.

 "According to information obtained from the suspect, it seems there are other people connected to this alleged car theft, but investigations are still underway," Hitayezu said.

 He said Uwimana and his accomplice, if caught, will be charged under articles 300 and 301 of the penal code.

 The penalty for anyone convicted of theft without violence or threat under article 300 is a prison term of six months to two years and a fine of two to five times the value of the stolen property or one of these penalties.

 However, if this specific crime is committed using forged keys, the maximum penalty under Article 300 is doubled.

 Car theft is a rare case in Rwanda, with only two cases of cars stolen and recovered in the country since the beginning of this year.

 However, about ten foreign registered stolen cars were intercepted in Rwanda as they were in transit to their destination in other neighboring countries, since last year.

 Majority of the recovered vehicles had been stolen from Kenya.