The stolen electric cables
The Police have arrested four people in connection with the theft of electric cables belonging to the Energy, Water and Sanitation Authority (EWSA) worth Rwf 16.5 million.
The men were caught while unrolling 3000 meters of electric cables in Gakinjiro Market, Gisozi sector on behalf of a businessman calledAnastase Karangira who is still at large. The quartet is in custody at Remera Police Station.
The recent series of power shortages were attributed to theft of electric cables around power stations in the country damaging the country’s economy.
The Central Region Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Urbain Mwiseneza said that EWSA has been reporting theft of cables and other electric materials being stolen or destroyed.
He says that the cables were seized after Police’s investigation and collaboration with EWSA. They conducted a security operation in Gakinjiro market and managed to arrest the four suspects.
“We we are still searching the businessman who had ordered them to steal the materials,” he said.
He urged the public to report whoever is suspected to be involved in the vandalism or theft of any electric infrastructure since they all benefit from the power supplied by EWSA.
The EWSA Public Relations and Community officer Prosper Mubera Birori condemned the robbery and appreciated the effort and partnership with the Police in arresting the suspects.
“The government’s plan is to supply electricity in all areas of the country, therefore citizens must understand that destruction or theft of these electric materials hinders development,” added Birori.
The suspects will be charged under articles 300 and 301 of the penal code which stipulate that any person who commits theft without violence or threat shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of two to five times the value of the stolen property or one of these penalties.
However, under article 301, if the theft is committed through housebreaking, climbing or fake keys, the maximum penalty under article 300, is doubled.