{{Police is holding four suspects arrested in connected with the theft of electric cables belonging to the Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) worth Frw16.500.000.}}
They were arrested last week while unrolling 3000 meters of electric cables in Gakinjiro Market, Gisozi sector ordered by a businessman Anastase Karangira who is still at large.
The quartet are in custody at Remera Police Station.
The supply of electricity is a key component in the country’s national development. The impact on the country’s economy goes far beyond lost output. The blackout usually damages the country’s reputation.
The recent spate of power shortages has been attributed to theft of electric cables along the power stations in the country.
The Central Region Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Urbain Mwiseneza said that EWSA has been reporting theft of cables and other electric materials being stolen or destroyed.
He said that it is the duty of Rwanda National Police to ensure security of citizens and their property.
“These cables were seized after Police’s investigation and collaboration with EWSA. We had a security operation in Gakinjiro market and managed to arrest the four suspects and we are still searching the businessman who had ordered them to steal the materials,” Mwiseneza said.
He urged citizens to be responsible and report whoever is suspected to be involved in the vandalism or theft of any electric infrastructure since they all benefit from the power supplied by EWSA.
The EWSA Public Relations and Community officer Prosper Mubera Birori condemned the robbery and appreciated the effort and partnership with the Police in arresting the suspects.
“The government’s plan is to supply electricity in all areas of the country, therefore citizens must understand that destruction or theft of these electric materials delays hinders development,” added Birori.
The suspects will be charged under articles 300 and 301 of the penal code which stipulate that any person who commits theft without violence or threat shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of two to five times the value of the stolen property or one of these penalties.
However, under article 301, if the theft is committed through housebreaking, climbing or fake keys, the maximum penalty under article 300, is doubled.
RNP
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