Police have arrested seven men in Kicukiro District over the theft of electricity cables and water meters, recovering more than 90 kilogrammes of cables and 13 water meters.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday, November 8, in separate operations conducted in Nyarugunga and Gahanga sectors, according to the Rwanda National Police.

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CIP Wellars Gahonzire, the Police spokesperson in the City of Kigali, said the suspects were involved in stealing infrastructure that provides essential services to residents.

"Police will not tolerate anyone involved in activities that damage electricity and water infrastructure because they are enemies of the country&039;s development and that of its citizens," he told The New Times.

Five of the suspects were arrested in Kamashashi Cell, Nyarugunga Sector, near a site where the Kanombe road is being expanded. They were allegedly found with 15 kilogrammes of metal they intended to sell as scrap.

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The other two were arrested in Runyoni Village, Murinja Cell, Gahanga Sector, with more than 70 kilogrammes of electricity cables and 13 water meters allegedly stolen from residents&039; homes.

Gahonzire also warned scrap metal dealers against buying stolen cables, saying they encourage the theft of public infrastructure.

"Those who buy stolen cables are also considered thieves," he warned.

The seven suspects are being held at Nyarugunga and Gahanga police stations as investigations continue before their files are submitted to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).