Seven Suspects Arrested for Trading Stolen Electrical Equipment in Kigali

The Rwanda Energy Group (REG), in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition, and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), on February 5, 2025, presented seven individuals to the media, suspected of trading electrical materials stolen from vandalized power lines.

The suspects were arrested at different locations across Kigali, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat infrastructure theft and protect the country’s power grid.

The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface RUTIKANGA, reported that these seven individuals are suspected of trading electrical materials without providing an explanation for their origin.

He said, “Police, along with REG and RICA colleagues, are actively tracking not only the thief but also potential dealers selling stolen equipment, because just tracking the thieves is not sufficient without tracking the buyers of the equipment.”

He cautioned that stricter measures would be taken against such actions that hinder national security and development, emphasizing that vandalizing electric infrastructure poses a major obstacle to the country’s economic progress.

He stated, “Law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions are collaborating to ensure that those responsible for this vandalism, which threatens both national security and development, are brought to justice.”

Rutikanga noted that this vandalism is driven by individuals who profit from trading stolen equipment. He emphasized that the government invests heavily in building electricity infrastructure to meet people’s needs, create jobs, and enhance the socio-economic well-being of Rwandans.

“When they take a building or a certain area and steal local materials, the impact is greater than the number of materials,” he said.

He highlighted the exposed socket breakers, which were 445 and 295 meters of electric cables, and the potential consequences of their exposure, stating that the cost of the loss is unknown.

He said, “That’s all we caught last week. They were caught in Ziniya market, in Kicukiro, and in the commercial area of ​​Gisozi-Gakiriro, and a few were caught in Rulindo district.”

Rutikanga also warned those who engage in the trade of stolen utility items, as it contributes to vandalism and theft.

“Conduct your businesses legally. Purchasing equipment stolen from damaged power lines, road signs, water distribution systems, and other public infrastructure will not be tolerated and will result in strict actions against those involved,” he stated.

Geoffrey ZAWADI, the REG EXTERNAL LINK DIRECTOR, expressed concern about the country’s commitment to providing 100% electricity to all Rwandans, but noted that the presence of vandals is a significant issue.

He said that vandalism of electricity infrastructure has become one of the major challenges that the energy group is facing in different parts of the country.

He said, “This is why it should not be tolerated by all institutions; there are many vandals, but we must also be many who oppose them, because those who do it are betraying Rwandan society.”

Zawadi revealed that the most affected activities are vandalized cables, cross-arms stolen from pylons, earthing wires, underground cables, meters, twisted cables, circuit breakers, surge arrestors, and transformers.

He reported that from July 2024 to January 2025, an average of Rwf153 million worth of stolen materials were caught.

Zawadi pointed out that this disrupts the efficient delivery of electricity services to the public, leads to insecurity, has negative socio-economic effects, causes financial losses, and increases electricity-related incidents.

He emphasized that such illegal actions impose a significant financial burden on the government and make it more challenging to serve the public when infrastructure is vandalized.

Joseph MUTABAZI, RICA, Division Manager of Standards Compliance and Enforcement at Rwanda Inspectorate, Competition and Consumer Protection Authority (RICA), stated that there is a regulation regarding the inspection of electrical materials, particularly used ones.

He particularly urged those selling used electronics to follow the regulations, including proper verification and documentation of electronic items they buy.

He said, “What the law requires is that you must first have a license granted by RICA that allows you to sell used products, especially electric cables.”

Mutabazi emphasized the importance of obtaining an EBM invoice when purchasing electricity equipment, as it helps identify the source of the equipment and is crucial for consumers.

The Rwanda National Police has intensified efforts to target individuals involved in vandalizing power lines and stealing electrical cables. The force is urging anyone with information about those involved in theft or vandalism of public infrastructure to come forward and assist with the ongoing operations.

Article 182 of the law determining offences and penalties states that any person, who maliciously demolishes or damages in any way, in whole or in part of construction, building, bridge, dams, water pipes and their routes, railway rails or any other means of communication or electric power infrastructure, wells or any other constructions which do not belong to him/her, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three years and not more than five years with a fine of not less than Frw3 million and not more than Frw5 million.