Rwanda Hands Over Five Stolen Cars to South Africa

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has officially returned more than five vehicles to South Africa after they were intercepted at various border points while being smuggled into the country.

The handover ceremony took place on October 25, 2025, at RIB Headquarters in Kigali.

In a statement shared on its official X account, RIB noted that the stolen vehicles were seized at the Gatuna, Rusumo and Bugarama border posts in different operations as they attempted to enter Rwanda from neighboring countries.

The event was attended by Antoine Ngarambe, the Head of Interpol’s National Central Bureau and International Cooperation Directorate in Rwanda, who represented the RIB. South Africa was represented by Lt. Col. Brian Butana Mashingo, the Chief of Vehicle Crime Investigation for cross-border criminal operations.

Strengthening Cross-Border Crime Prevention

Rwanda and Interpol have intensified the use of advanced technology to identify and intercept stolen assets, including vehicles, individuals and documentation tracked internationally.

During Interpol’s 50th anniversary in Rwanda in 2024, Ngarambe highlighted key achievements in information sharing and data management systems, particularly through the I-247 platform. The system allows member states to efficiently exchange criminal intelligence to support investigations, arrests and recovery of stolen property.

He explained that the system enhances border security by enabling authorities to screen travelers, vehicles and documents in real time to verify whether they appear on international alert lists. “This system helps us track people, vehicles or documents reported missing or stolen. It also assists in locating individuals who have disappeared, whether minors or adults,” Ngarambe said at the time.

Continued Cooperation

Interpol Rwanda actively contributes data to Interpol’s global database, helping strengthen international policing collaboration. Rwanda joined Interpol in 1974 and has since expanded its operational presence.

Between 2016 and August 2024, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau recovered 49 stolen vehicles from foreign countries, with 41 already returned to their rightful owners. The remaining vehicles included those stolen in Tanzania, South Africa, Canada and Sweden, pending formal transfer processes.

The latest handover underscores Rwanda’s commitment to fighting transnational organized crime and strengthening judicial cooperation with partner nations to ensure stolen property is tracked, recovered and returned.