Rwanda National Police

At least three people were arrested on Friday in Huye District in connection with stealing motorcycles.

Clement Harerimana, 35, Jean Marie Nsengumukiza, 21, and Fabien Nzabarinda, 27, were arrested in Rurenda Village, Matyazo Cell, Ngoma Sector following investigations and joint security operations in the recent theft of a motorcycle in the district.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said the trio, in the night of May 8, allegedly ambushed one Bonaventure Habimana, and stole his motorcycle.

"These three suspects ambushed Habimana at about 11pm, in Matyazo and forcefully took his motorcycle, the victim immediately reported the criminal act," CIP Karekezi said.

"They used a rope to trap and stop the motorcyclist, who managed to escape from the violent thieves who had attacked him with sticks and other objects," he added.

According to the spokesperson, the victim escaped with the motorcycle key, which made it hard for the thieves to immediately flee with the motorcycle, apparently to Burundi where they had secured a buyer.

"Police worked with local leaders and residents; it is during this process that a resident, who had seen the three men entering their house with a motorcycle that night of theft, called the Police," he said.

The motorcycle RC 798S was indeed found in the same house where the three suspected thieves lived together, and where they were arrested.

CIP Karekezi commended the increased vigilance and cooperation with the people in fighting criminality through information sharing.