Rwanda National Police (RNP) has issued a warning to illegal dealers and technicians of electronics, who are believed to be involved in a series of burglaries and alteration of electronic devices. The warning follows the arrest of eight people in Nyamata, Bugesera District and in the City of Kigali, who are linked to theft of electronics. ALSO READ: Five arrested over vandalising electric cables Police also recovered from the suspects 28 stolen mobile phones, two computers, a tablet and a camera. RNP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police Boniface Rutikanga said six of the suspects were apprehended in Bugesera and two others in Kigali. This, he said, was a result of continuous intelligence-led operations and strong collaboration with the public. The Police and other institutions are actively targeting individuals involved in the theft of electronic devices, such as mobile phones and computers. This network include thieves, dealers in used electronics and technicians who specialize in unlocking and resetting these devices, Rutikanga said. He warned against violating regulations governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment. “Anyone intending to sell or buy used electrical or electronic equipment is required to complete a formal declaration that includes their personal identification details as well as the specifications of the device. This process helps confirm the legality of the transaction and protects both buyers and sellers,” he explained. “We ask anyone engaged in stealing, buying, selling, or illegally modifying electronic devices to immediately desist from such activities. The Rwanda National Police will not relent in enforcing the law, and those who persist in these crimes will inevitably be arrested and face severe legal consequences.” Regulations governing the trade of used electrical and electronic equipment determine that before buying used electrical or electronic equipment, the business operator must verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment. The business operator must also record the identity of the seller indicating the names, a copy of identity card, passport or business registration certificate, place of residence, telephone number, and e-mail address, where applicable. The law determining offences and penalties in general states that any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of one year to two years and a fine of Rwf1-2 million, community service in a period of six months or only one of these penalties. The penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing, or possession of keys other than the owner, when theft is carried out during the night, or when theft is carried out by more than one person.
