On Wednesday, 27 January, RIB investigators detained Saveri Ngayabahiga, 22, who is suspected to be in the clique of thieves, after a tip-off from the public. The investigators’ search into Ngayabahiga’s house discovered a number of smashed digital water meters. Residents accuse him of shattering stolen water meters before selling them as scrap metals. Ngayabahiga denies the accusation.
RIB Spokesperson, Modeste Mbabazi said the suspect is charged with “theft and aggravated circumstances of theft under article 166 and 167 of the law determining offenses and penalties in general, since the suspect is believed to carry out the theft at night”.
Article 166 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 one million Rwandan francs (FRW 1,000,000) and not more than two million Rwandan francs (FRW 2,000,000), community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties”.
Mbabazi issued a warning to the culprits and pledged that RIB will continue working closely with the public to stop the illegal acts.
“We ask the public to always report such incidents of theft to help prevent further damage to their properties,” said RIB Spokesperson.
Aimé Muzola, the CEO of Water and Sanitation Corporation (WASAC) lauded RIB’s investigators in detaining the suspect and urged the public to share related information on time to curb the vice.
“I request our clients to own the safety and protection of these pieces of equipment and in case of any suspicion, to report to relevant authorities,” the CEO said.
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