Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has recovered 431 stolen mobile phones worth Rwf 94.5 million between May and November this year. In addition, the agency has arrested 23 suspects whose case files have since been submitted to prosecution. On Monday, December 1, RIB held a press conference where the recovered phones were handed back to their rightful owners. The value of the recovered devices varied depending on their models. During the event, RIB spokesperson Thierry Murangira, detailed the various methods used to steal phones and urged the public to be vigilant. ALSO READ: RIB returns over 300 stolen mobile phones to owners, urges vigilance He noted that the majority of the phones (127) were stolen at bus stops and inside buses, while 80 were snatched in dark areas (for example in neighbourhoods at night). Others were stolen in crowded places such as markets, bars, and weddings, as well as those stolen from homes, among other places. The recovered phones, according to RIB, were found in various parts of the country, although most thefts occurred in the City of Kigali, particularly in places like Nyabugogo, Kimisagara, Nyabisindu, and Kanombe. ALSO READ: RIB urges public to remain vigilant about phone theft Murangira further explained that although some phones have been recovered, others have not yet been found. Bella Murebwayire, a university student who is among those whose phones were recovered, said it had been a year since losing the device. She narrated that she lost it during an exam, having placed her bag at the front of the room as required before sitting the exam. She noted that she had completely lost hope of ever getting it back. She described the recovery as a pleasant surprise. Another recipient, Blandine Mukabunani from Kimisagara, said her phone was stolen in April while she was on a taxi-moto. She reported the incident immediately to the RIB Nyarugenge branch and was delighted to receive a call last week informing her that her phone had been recovered. According to RIB, a total of 763 phones have been recovered since the beginning of the year, including an earlier batch of 332 phones recovered on May 15, valued at over Rwf 72.8 million.
