The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested 11 people, including two Ugandan nationals, suspected of involvement in the theft and illegal trafficking of electricity cables across the country.
The suspects were arrested in an operation conducted in collaboration with the Rwanda National Police. They were found with approximately 1.5 tonnes of copper cables valued at more than Rwf20 million, according to RIB.
Speaking during the parading of the suspects on November 3, Thierry Murangira, the RIB spokesperson, said the suspects allegedly played different roles in a network involved in stealing, collecting, transporting, and selling the cables.
Some are suspected of stealing cables from electricity infrastructure, while others allegedly bought and transported the stolen materials.
The suspects also reportedly used a house belonging to a couple as a storage facility, where the cables were kept before being resold or transported to other countries. The network also included motorcycle taxi operators and drivers who helped move the stolen cables.
One of the Ugandan suspects was identified as a key trader who allegedly transported the stolen cables across the border for sale in neighbouring countries.
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"11 people were arrested in connection with activities aimed at damaging the country’s infrastructure, including the theft of electrical cables. These cables were stolen by different people, transported to a certain location, and then taken across the border to neighbouring countries,” Murangira said.
He added that the stolen materials were copper cables taken from different locations across the country.
According to RIB, the thefts occurred in Gasabo, Kicukiro, Nyarugenge, Kamonyi and Bugesera districts.
Charges against the suspects
The suspects are facing three charges which are: forming or joining a criminal organisation, damaging infrastructure or electrical equipment, and theft.
Murangira highlighted that the alleged activities threaten the country’s infrastructure and could disrupt the provision of essential services.
The suspects are currently being held at RIB stations in Kicukiro and Nyarugenge, while their case file has been submitted to the prosecution for further legal action.
RIB has warned that the theft and destruction of essential infrastructure threaten public welfare, disrupt access to basic services and undermine national development. It has also urged the public to report suspicious activities that could damage public infrastructure.