Africa-Press – Rwanda. Rwanda National Police on Wednesday, November 5, announced the arrest of five men accused of theft and vandalism of electricity cables in Gasabo District.
It is alleged that the activities left several households in Rutunga Sector without power.
Chief Inspector of Police Wellars Gahonzire, the Police Spokesperson in the City of Kigali, told The New Times that residents had repeatedly reported cases of power outages caused by people stealing electricity wires.
“Following tip-offs from residents, the Police, working with other security organs and local authorities, launched an operation that led to the arrest of four suspects, informally known as Abahigi, on October 27, 2025, in Kamusengo Village, Ndatemwa Cell, Rutunga Sector,” Gahonzire said.
He added that the group was illegally tapping electricity from poles that supply nearby houses. On November 4, another suspect, identified as the ringleader, was arrested in Gicumbi District, where he had fled after learning about the arrest of his collaborators.
The police officer added that the suspects had confessed to the crime upon arrest.
“They were found with more than 30 metres of stolen electric cables, as well as equipment they used in their operations, including spanners, voltage testers, helmets, and climbing belts,” he said.
Gahonzire warned that such acts not only cause huge losses to the government but also slow down community development and threaten safety.
“Electricity drives economic growth and security. Vandalising such infrastructure undermines progress and endangers communities. Those involved in stealing or destroying public utilities will continue to be arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
Police urged the public to take responsibility for protecting public infrastructure and to report anyone suspected of vandalism.
Vandalism is punished by imprisonment of three to five years, and a fine ranging from Rwf3 million to Rwf5 million.
If the act is committed intentionally using explosives such as dynamite, bombs or firearms, the penalty increases to imprisonment of seven to ten years, and a fine of Rwf5 million to Rwf7 million.
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