Police recover Rwf10 million stolen from Japanese firm

Police in Ngoma District have arrested six people in connection with stealing a money safe containing Rwf10 million from Konoike Construction Limited.

Monday, September 07, 2015

Police in Ngoma District have arrested six people in connection with stealing a money safe containing Rwf10 million from Konoike Construction Limited.

The suspects, who include five employees of the Japanese Construction firm operating in the district, were arrested on Saturday in possession of the stolen money.

They had Rwf3.1 million and $8,570.

The suspects include a company security guard and a cleaner.

Eastern Region Police Spokesperson Emmanuel Kayigi said the suspects committed the crime on Friday, when they connived to steal the safe from the offices of the company.

"They entered the company premises at night and stole the container. The guard, the cleaner, three other employees and an ironsmith who broke the safe are now under Police custody. Each of the suspects was found with a portion of the money after they had shared it among themselves,” he said.

"Investigations were successful largely because the company managers immediately informed Police about the incident. In a short time, we had zeroed in on the prime suspects and arrested them. We discovered that they had planned to escape to a neighbouring country.”

Yamasta Yasuki, who received the recovered money from Police on behalf of the firm, expressed gratitude toward Rwanda National Police for its efficient investigations, noting that he was surprised when they were informed that their money had been recovered.

"We have worked in many countries and such incidences have occurred before, but it is the first time we have received back the stolen money. Sometimes even when the suspects are arrested, it is difficult to get back all the money, but it was amazing that we got it all back,” Yasuki said.

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