Rwanda National Police (RNP) has recovered assorted electronics stolen from different homes in the City of Kigali.
The recovered items include those that were stolen on Tuesday, October 15, from the home of a Japanese national, Mio Yamada, in Mutara Village, Kimihurura Cell in Kimihurura Sector, Gasabo District.
Three people have also been arrested in connection with the theft at Yamada’s residence. They include two thieves and a dealer in used electronics, who bought the stolen items.
At least three laptops, two iPads, three digital cameras and a GoPro camera, two lenses and two smartphones, among many others; stolen from the home of the Japanese resident, were recovered on Wednesday, October 16, at the shop of the dealer in used electronics in Nyarugenge, where he was also arrested.
The three suspects are also connected to other series of house break-ins reported in Kigali, according to investigations.
While receiving her recovered electronics on Thursday, October 17, Yamada thanked Rwanda National Police for the swift response.
“We lost almost everything in one night and there was no hope we would recover them. Now we have everything that was stolen, and I want to thank the Rwanda Police for this reassuring gesture. We are safe and secure, and we will stay in Rwanda longer and probably forever,” Yamada said.
The RNP spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga warned of continued operations targeting mainly those who buy stolen items, especially dealers in used electronics, who buy stolen electronic equipment.
“Dealers in used electronics are advised to follow the regulations governing used electronics and electronic equipment instead of providing a market for stolen items and influencing the criminal acts, which will not be entertained,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He added that law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions are currently implementing the regulation and to bring to justice all those that influence theft of electronics, especially dealers.
The regulation provides that before buying second-hand electronics, the business operator must first verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment and record detailed particulars. (End)