An assortment of stolen equipment, including electronics, were recovered in separate police operations conducted in the City of Kigali on Wednesday night. The items were recovered in the sectors of Kimironko and Nyarugenge in Gasabo and Nyarugenge districts, respectively. They include two laptops, two TV sets, smartphones, and utensils At least 14 people were arrested in connection with the crimes. Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, Supt. Emmanuel Hitayezu, said that the “targeted operations” were based on credible information from the people following theft cases filed by the victims. “The recovered items were found in residential houses and black markets, where the suspects were also arrested,” Supt. Hitayezu said. “Owners of most of these recovered electronics have been notified; we commend the people who continue to make security part of their day-to-day responsibilities and provide information that lead to such positive results,” he added. “We have found out that most of the thieves especially those targeting electronics, at least have a market or someone behind it who buys them and sells them on the black market. A decision has been reached and we are now mapping out these black markets which will be the main areas of our operations to break the market,” he noted. He, however, appealed to the general public to desist from purchasing from black markets to avoid buying stolen items that make them accomplices as well, or at times find it hard to prove that an item belongs to them since, in most cases, they lack proof. “Whenever you are buying goods, make sure they give you a receipt, and also put a mark on your equipment, and immediately report the theft to the nearest police station. These are important things we consider during verification of rightful owners,” Supt Hitayezu said. In January this year, Rwanda National Police announced it had recovered in Kigali 106 television sets, including 65 flat screens, 87 computers, 129 smart phones and 139 home theaters. Most of the items have since been handed back to rightful owners. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
