A motorcycle which was reported stolen in Gicumbi District, Shangasha sector, has been recovered.
The motorcycle, TVS Victor, was recovered from the 27 years-old suspected thief, who was arrested later that day in Nyakara Village, Gatoma cell of Kaniga Sector.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Jean Bosco Mwiseneza, the police spokesperson for the Northern Province, the suspect was arrested following information from local residents.
“Through the community partnership and information sharing, the suspect was spotted hiding in the bush a motorcycle by residents in Gatoma cell of Kaniga Sector, who alerted the Police, leading to his arrest and recovery of the stolen motorcycle from the victim in Shangasha sector,” said SP Mwiseneza.
SP Mwiseneza lauded the vigilance and quick reaction of the residents, who called the Police and appealed to the general public to continue providing information until all those engaged are either arrested or refrained from such criminal activities.
He also warned that operations to break chains of thieves are continuous, to bring them to justice.
Early this month Rwanda National Police arrested 15 people suspected to be behind a series of motorcycle thefts in Nyagatare and Gicumbi districts.
The suspect has since been handed over to RIB at Byumba station for further investigations while the recovered motorcycle was handed over to the owner.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that, any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, a community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, however, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner or theft is carried out during the night. (End)