The suspects, aged between 40 and 53, were presented to the media on Wednesday, February 5, after being caught with stolen equipment from power distribution networks.
During separate police operations in Kicukiro, Gasabo, and Rulindo districts, authorities seized 445 electrical fuses and 295 meters of electric cables from the suspects, who were conducting illegal trade.
ACP Boniface Rutikanga, spokesperson for Rwanda National Police, stated that efforts to combat such crimes will not only target the thieves but also those who knowingly buy and resell stolen equipment.
'Tracking down thieves alone is not enough. We must also go after their buyers. All seven suspects failed to explain the source of the materials they were caught with. Investigations confirmed that these items had been stolen from major power networks in different areas,' Rutikanga explained
'Two suspects were apprehended in Zinia, Kicukiro District, four in Gisozi, Gasabo District, and one in Rulindo District. These individuals are responsible for power outages and disruptions that affect public safety. The consequences of their actions are serious, and we will not tolerate them. These arrests were made in just one week, and operations will continue to track down others still engaged in this crime,' he added.
Rutikanga also warned business owners selling electrical materials without proof of origin, stating that they would be treated as accomplices in infrastructure vandalism.
On his part, Geoffrey Zawadi, Head of Partnerships at REG, described the destruction of electricity infrastructure as a criminal act that hinders national progress.
'These criminals are sabotaging efforts to provide electricity to all Rwandans. Allowing such acts to continue is like pouring water into a basket, progress will never be achieved. We must unite and be stronger than those destroying public infrastructure. A handful of people cannot be allowed to repeatedly sabotage national projects, forcing the country to repair the same damages instead of moving forward,' he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Joseph Mutabazi, Head of the Inspection Unit at RICA, urged traders dealing in electrical equipment to comply with regulations, emphasizing that authorities, in collaboration with security agencies, are conducting continuous inspections. He also advised consumers to be vigilant when purchasing electrical materials.
'When buying such equipment, always ask for a receipt and verify the source. Customers have the right to know where the products they purchase come from.'
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on the theft and illegal trade of electrical infrastructure, ensuring that all those involved face legal consequences.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/seven-nabbed-in-electricity-infrastructure-theft-crackdown
