Eastern Region Police spokesman, IP Emmanuel Kayigi, has called on the public to be vigilant following a recent spate of robberies in Rwamagana District.

Without disclosing the figures, the spokesman told The New Times yesterday that the Police had already investigated several cases of robbery in the province.

Kayigi was commenting on an incident that occurred on Thursday, in which a gang of thieves armed, with machetes, attacked four homes in Muyumbu Sector of Rwamagana.

Albert Gakwisi and his son, Leonard Maniragena, allegedly killed one of the thieves, only identified as Karimunda, 40, in self-defence.

"It is true one of the thieves was killed by people in self-defence. He was armed and actually hurt several people. When a person acts in self-defence against an armed invader, the law may be lenient with him, even if he kills the attacker in the process,”  Kayigi explained.

Kayigi said investigations into the matter were ongoing, adding that the Police were committed to fighting crime.

He urged Rwandans to report suspected crimes in time.

"We encourage everyone to be vigilant, especially in reporting potential criminals. Otherwise, be rest assured that the Police will make sure that everybody is safe. We commend the people working closely with the Police in isolating criminals,” he said.

Meanwhile, residents of Muyumbu Sector who repelled the robbers said they feared for their lives.

"The thieves are now at large and may target us. The one killed was the ringleader; they have been menacing villages for long. They may, however,  return to avenge for their colleague,” said Maniragena, currently hospitalised in Kigali after he sustaining several injuries as a result of the attack.