More suspected thieves arrested in Kamonyi

Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Sunday, October 3, arrested more 27 people said to be connected to recent series of violent theft in Kamonyi District.

Nine of the suspected thieves were arrested in Ngamba Sector. They are Thadee Sindikubwabo, 42, Eugene Mugarura, 25, Francois Yamfashije, 24, Francois Gisigari, 39, Jean Pierre Matabaro, 33, Jonas Siborurema, 27, Oscar Niyogisubizo, 18, Alphonse Ntamugabumwe, 40 and Jean Nepomscene Iradukunda, 18.

Other 18 suspects were arrested in Runda sector following credible information provided by local leaders and residents.

According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, the suspects were arrested in partnership with other security organs due to information provided by residents.

“This is part of the operations targeting rings that were ambushing people in wee hours, assault them before stealing their valuables. The gang was attacking people with traditional weapons such as machetes. They were also ambushing people at bus stops in wee hours,” said SP Kanamugire.

He added: “Among those arrested in Runda sector is one identified as Jean Bosco Musabyimana, who was found in the bush where he had set an ambush near the bus stop, armed with a knife.

Another suspect, Joseph Musabyimana was also found in possession of seven pellets of cannabis.”

He lauded the community policing spirit, which facilitated the arrest of the suspects.

“These are continuous operations, we call upon the public to continue sharing information on other members of the rings.”

The suspects were handed over to RIB for further legal process.

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Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that, any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, a community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.

In article 167, however, the penalty for theft doubles if the act was carried out at night or by more than one person.

Article 121of the same law states that any person who, wilfully, injures, beats or commits any serious violence against another person, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three (3) years and not more than five (5) years and a fine of not less than Frw500, 000 and not more than Frw1 million.