A man in Rubavu District was, on Thursday, arrested for allegedly stealing a car shortly after takeoff. Evariste Uwimana, currently detained at Gisenyi Police station, allegedly tried to steal a Toyota Corolla belonging to one Joseph Iryamukuru. Police spokesperson for the western region Supt. Emmanuel Hitayezu said the suspect was arrested in Gisa Cell of Rugerero Sector as he tried to speed off with the stolen car at about 10pm. “Investigations have indicated that the suspect stole the car from a parking yard next to a bar using a fake key. ‘‘But when he started it, the owner heard it and immediately informed people and a chase was mounted. He was apprehended a few kilometres from where he stole it,” said Hitayezu, adding that the suspect is now in custody. The suspect, who confessed to the crime, said he had already secured a buyer, whom he said was to pay him Rwf200, 000. “According to information obtained from the suspect, it seems there are other people in connection to this car theft (racket) but investigations are still underway,” Hitayezu said. Uwimana will be charged under articles 300 and 301 of the penal code. The penalty for anyone convicted of theft without violence or threat under article 300 is a prison term of six months to two years and a fine of two to five times the value of the stolen property or one of these. However, if this specific crime is committed using fake keys, the maximum penalty under Article 300 is doubled. Car theft is a rare case in Rwanda. However, about ten foreign registered stolen cars were intercepted in Rwanda as they were in transit to their destination in other neighbouring countries, since last year. The majority of the recovered vehicles had been stolen from Kenya.
