Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Tuesday, March 10, paraded two men suspected of theft and rape, with the alleged offences reported in Rwamagana District.

RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said the arrests followed investigations into multiple cases of phone and money robbery and rape in the district.

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"These cases share a common pattern: victims are often promised jobs or other benefits, only to be lured into situations where they are robbed and raped,” Murangira told reporters on Tuesday at RIB Headquarters in Kimihurura.

One suspect is reported to have operated in Nyabugogo Bus Station. He would approach them while pretending to be on a phone call, saying: "Man, how did you disappoint me? I thought you were coming for that good job.” He would then hang up and ask the victim to suggest a replacement. Often, the victims, hoping to secure the opportunity, would volunteer themselves instead.

The suspect reportedly targeted needy individuals and would then call the second other suspect, presenting him as the boss. The second suspect would reassure the victim that the job was simple and that they could start immediately.

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Victims were asked to travel to Rwamagana by bus. If it was too early, women were taken to restaurant before continuing the journey later at night. Upon arrival, the suspects would claim to run errands, such as buying chicken, and then lead victims along forest paths.

There, the victims were threatened with swords, robbed of their possessions, and raped. Afterward, the suspects chased them through remote areas to prevent reporting the crimes before the perpetrators escaped.

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"Many victims do not know exactly where the offences took place. Some do not know the suspects’ identities, and they often lack contact information, photos, or names,” Murangira said, urging the public to exercise caution and avoid blindly trusting strangers.

"There is also an issue of victims who are afraid to report these cases,” he added. "Some only report stolen property while concealing incidents of sexual abuse, which further complicates investigation.”

So far, seven victims aged between 16 and 31 have come forward. Two were sexually assaulted in Musha Sector of Rwamagana District, while others were attacked in Mwurire and Karenge sectors.

The two men face multiple charges, including child defilement, rape, accessing data with intent to commit an offence, fraud, and forming or joining a criminal association. One suspect is said to have previously been prosecuted for fraud.

"You should be cautious and not rush into situations. Some people consider themselves smart and ignore warnings, only to end up trapped in crime,” Murangira warned.

Other scams highlighted

Murangira also warned about scams such as pyramid schemes like investment schemes in coffee, where victims are promised returns from recruiting others.

"Some people invest Rwf50,000 and are told they will earn Rwf3,000 daily, only to lose their money later. People have heard such cases and ignored warnings, only to be scammed,” he said.

Authorities plan to penalise those who encourage others to join such schemes. "It is not fair. We will hold people accountable,” Murangira added.

He further cautioned against fraudsters claiming to pay off utility bills at lower rates or offering to heal incurable diseases. Some exploit social media as self-proclaimed prophets, warning people of misfortune and demanding payments to prevent it.

"Do not trust anyone blindly. The intentions of such people are never genuine,” he said.

Murangira also condemned social media blackmail, where perpetrators threaten to reveal personal information unless the victims give them money. "This boosts online hooliganism. Such cases should be reported to authorities rather than being used for revenge,” he said.

RIB criticised individuals who record images of others in danger purely for content or fame. Sports journalists were singled out for using platforms to insult colleagues, while self-proclaimed legal analysts were warned against misrepresenting justice for personal gain.