Rwanda National Police (RNP) paraded eight individuals to the media suspected of stealing motorcycles and forging their registration number plates.
The suspects were arrested separately in operations conducted in different parts of the country.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, said that the eight suspects were found with motorcycles, which are among 136 that were impounded for having number plates not corresponding with their original chassis numbers.
“We have been showing moto-vehicles impounded during different police operations, particularly those with changed or falsified plate numbers. Some motorcycles had stolen plates, while others were stolen and given forged plates. So far, 136 motorcycles have been recovered with changed plates, including 16 motorcycles that had been stolen,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He said that operations are still ongoing to arrest other members of the rings or other individuals involved in these criminal acts.
“Apart from these eight suspects caught with stolen motorcycles and changing their number plates, we are also targeting individuals engaged in the same to conceal stolen moto-vehicles, in most cases to violate road traffic rules and to evade related fines.
These are the people, who often use automobiles with concealed, altered or forged plates to commit crimes like snatching bags, phones and transporting stolen goods,” said ACP Rutikanga.
He called upon those whose motorcycles or number plates were stolen, to visit the Traffic Police Department to check if they are among those recovered.
One of the victims, Venant Hatangimana, expressed gratitude to the police after recovering his motorcycle, which was stolen on February 27, last year, just less than two months after buying it.
“My motorcycle was stolen while my eldest son was riding it. Thieves took it along with its documents and ID card, they changed its number plate from RH 022X to RF 178G. I thank the police for contacting me using the chassis number. When your motorcycle is stolen and you report it to the police immediately, chances are high to recover it,” Hatangimana said.
What the law specifies
Theft under article 166 of law No. 68/2018 of 30/08/2018, which outlines general offenses and penalties, carries a sentence of one to two years of imprisonment and a fine of Frw 1 million to Frw 2 million, community service for six months or one of the penalties.
Penalties double for theft involving breaking and entering, nighttime theft, or theft by multiple individuals.
In article 168, theft with violence or threats attracts a sentence of five to seven years in imprison and a fine of between Frw 3 million and Frw 5 million.
Forgery or falsification of documents, including plate numbers, under article 276, is punishable with five to seven years of imprisonment and a fine of Frw3 million to Frw 5 million.
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