Security personnel, including Rwanda National Police officers have waited for five days for suspected robbers who hid in drainage channels in Nyamirambo Sector of Nyarugenge District, after a string of snatch-and-run robberies. ALSO READ: Eight in police custody over theft of electronic devices The operation involves police officers and community patrol personnel, deployed at both ends of the drainage system believed to have been used as escape routes by the thieves. Residents and other witnesses in the area told The New Times that the operation followed recent incidents in which two women were robbed separately with the suspects disappearing in this channel. ALSO READ: Police: Theft, drug-related crimes on decline In one incident, a suspect snatched a Google Pixel smartphone from a woman heading to work, while another reportedly stole from another woman a handbag containing a phone and money before fleeing into a channel connected to the same channel but with a different entrance. “We have been facing theft in this area for some time,” said Daniel Kabera, a 61-year-old resident of Nyamirambo. “Passing here, especially at night, requires a lot of courage. After hearing about the operations, we thought they would help reduce these cases, at least for some time.” Residents said the suspects remained hidden in the drainage for about two days. On Friday, February 6, one of them reportedly emerged from the drain and was taken into custody. Mercienne Mutegarugori, a 58-year-old vegetable vendor in the area, said residents were still concerned that more suspects could be hiding underground. Gisele Irakoze, a 24-year-old resident, said women are often the main targets, although men are also attacked. “They snatch bags and phones and then run into the drains. You cannot follow them there because you risk being injured or even killed,” she said. “My phone was stolen last year in the same way. We believe such operations should continue so thieves realise there is nowhere to hide.” Speaking to The New Times, CIP Wellars Gahonzire, the Police Spokesperson in the City of Kigali, said the operation began on the morning of February 4 after two separate robberies. “The suspects fled through the same drainage channel, which prompted police to secure all exit points and wait for them,” he said. “So far, one suspect was arrested on the third day, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second one. We chose to wait for them to avoid unnecessary use of force.” The arrested suspect was identified as Christian Iradukunda, 24, a suspect of stealing the Google Pixel phone, who later revealed the identity of the other thief he left in the drain as Felix. Iradukunda is currently being held at Rwezamenyo Police Station, Gahonzire added. “We urge people to choose honest work and avoid criminal activities,” Gahonzire said. “There is no place to hide for those engaged in banditry in this country.”
