Rwanda National Police

Students of ASPEK, a secondary school in Ngoma District foiled an attempted robbery at their school on Friday when they apprehended a man who had allegedly broken into one of the school facilities.

Francois Mugabo, 27, was whisked off the ceiling of a computer laboratory at about 8:00pm.

The community policing act happened just as the students were in their evening revision classes.

Mugabo was at the time armed with a metal apparently which he intended to use to during the theft.

While briefing the students shortly after arresting the suspect, Supt. Paul Byuma, Ngoma District Police Commander commended them for the act and ensuring their own security.

He urged them to maintain the community policing spirit, even in their communities and concentrate on their academics in order to become responsible citizens as the future leaders.

"We received a phone call from the school telling us that they have apprehended a man who was attempting to steal computers and we rushed there immediately. He is currently detained at Kibungo Police station as investigations continue to process his detailed dossier before it is forwarded to prosecution," Supt. Byuma said.

"Working together through community policing will continue to yield results such as this. Let this be yet another example and a message to criminals that Rwandans do not tolerate crime," he added.

"Timely information exchange is key to fight and prevent all sorts of crimes as has been witnessed and demonstrated by students today."

Area residents said the suspect is a known thief.

Article 303 of the Penal Code stipulates that theft with violence or threats is punishable by a term of imprisonment of seven to ten years.