The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has announced that 11 people, including two foreigners from Uganda, have been arrested for their involvement in stealing and vandalizing electricity infrastructure. The suspects, who were operating in different parts of the country, including Kigali and its surroundings, are believed to have been working as a gang. They are accused of stealing copper wires, which were then sold to foreign countries.
According to the RIB, the suspects were arrested following a joint operation with the police, and they were found in possession of 1.5 tons of copper wires, worth over RWF 20 million. The stolen materials were recovered from different locations, including Kigali, Kamonyi, and Bugesera. The RIB says that the suspects were involved in a network that saw them stealing the wires, which were then sold to buyers in foreign countries.
The RIB has revealed that the suspects were operating in a well-organized manner, with some members of the gang responsible for stealing the wires, while others would sell them to buyers. The stolen copper wires were collected from different parts of the country and then transported to a central location, where they were prepared for export. The RIB says that this was not an isolated incident, as there have been several reports of electricity infrastructure vandalism in different parts of the country.
The suspects, who are currently being held at the Kicukiro and Nyarugenge police stations, face charges of forming a criminal gang, theft, and vandalizing infrastructure. According to the RIB, the suspects' actions have caused significant disruptions to the country's electricity supply. The authorities have warned that anyone found guilty of such crimes will face the full force of the law.
The RIB has stated that the stolen copper wires were of high value and were used in the country's electricity infrastructure. The authorities have urged the public to report any suspicious activities related to electricity infrastructure vandalism. The suspects' actions have also raised concerns about the security of the country's electricity supply and the impact on economic activities.
The laws in Rwanda provide for severe penalties for those found guilty of vandalizing infrastructure and theft. According to the law, forming a criminal gang and engaging in theft can result in a prison sentence of between 7-10 years, while vandalizing infrastructure can result in a sentence of between 3-5 years, and a fine of between RWF 1-5 million.
The RIB has assured the public that it will continue to investigate and prosecute those involved in such crimes. The authorities have also urged the public to cooperate with them in the fight against electricity infrastructure vandalism.
Key points
- 11 people arrested for stealing and vandalizing electricity infrastructure in Rwanda.
- The suspects stole 1.5 tons of copper wires, worth over RWF 20 million.
- The laws in Rwanda provide for severe penalties for those found guilty of vandalizing infrastructure and theft.
