Police in Musanze District have arrested two men for allegedly stealing circuit breakers from an electric pole. Jean Paul Manirarora and Jean Paul Bizimana, who are currently being held at Muhoza Police Station, claimed that they were hired although they refused to reveal the identity of the person who allegedly hired them. A circuit breaker is an automatically operated electrical switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by overload or short circuit. Its basic function is to detect a fault condition and interrupt current flow. The arrest followed a tip-off from residents. Northern Province Police spokesperson Elevis Munyaneza called on residents to join campaigns to fight and prevent such offences, which he said undermine development. He urged residents to embrace the culture of partnering with security organs through community policing to ensure crime is effectively prevented. The suspects had disguised themselves as employees of Rwanda Energy Group (REG) as they attempted to steal two circuit breakers, Police said. However, a resident saw them climb an electric pole and got suspicious and consulted REG if they were conducting repairs in the area. REG officials immediately reported the suspected vandalism to Police, who swung into action. REG Musanze Branch supervisor Marcel Nzamurambaho said: “They climbed an electric pole wearing the former EWSA uniforms to disconnect the circuit breakers but were surprised by the sudden Police arrival.” A circuit breaker costs Rwf300,000 on the local market. “These electric equipment and many others serve the people and indeed help contribute to their socio-economic transformation,” said Nzamurambaho. The suspects could be charged with vandalism and impersonation.
