Seven arrested in Rubavu over suspected stolen cow slaughter

By The Inspirer.

Seven people, including a woman, have been arrested in Rubavu District after they were found slaughtering a cow suspected to have been stolen.

The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of March 29, 2026, in Kanama Sector, Mahoko Cell, Kabindi Village.

According to information obtained by IGIHE, three of those arrested are suspected to have stolen the cow, while four others allegedly bought meat from the illegally slaughtered animal.

The cow is reported to have been stolen from Nyundo Sector after the suspects broke into the structure where it was being kept.

The Executive Secretary of Kanama Sector said the arrests were carried out in collaboration with community night patrol teams. One suspect was initially apprehended, while two others who had fled were later tracked down. Four additional suspects were arrested for allegedly purchasing the stolen meat, including one found cooking it at the time.

Authorities said efforts to crack down on livestock theft have been intensified, warning that those involved will face the full force of the law.

The meat was later destroyed after it was found that the animal had not undergone mandatory veterinary inspection.

Among the suspected thieves, the oldest is 45 years old and the youngest 33, while among the suspected buyers, the oldest is 50 and the youngest 42.

All suspects have been handed over to the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) at Kanama Station as investigations continue.

The incident follows a similar case on March 25, when another man was arrested in the same district in possession of a cow’s head believed to have been stolen from Nyabirasi Sector in Rutsiro District.

Source: IGIHE