Police arrests 16 over widespread cattle theft

By The Inspirer.

The Rwanda National Police has apprehended 16 individuals suspected of orchestrating a series of cattle thefts that have recently disrupted communities in the districts of Rulindo, Gasabo, Gakenke, Gicumbi, and Nyarugenge.

The suspects were presented to the media on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the Remera Police Station.

The National Police spokesperson, ACP Rutikanga Boniface, who led the briefing, revealed that the investigation into these thefts began in September 2024.

Among the 16 suspects was Uwizeyimana Eugène, alias “Sekompa,” identified as the group leader responsible for planning and executing the operations.

Sekompa allegedly slaughtered over 100 stolen cows, primarily from Gasabo and Gakenke. He collaborated with informants known as “abatenezi” or “abasheretsi,” who pinpointed households with cattle.

After gathering information, Sekompa would carry out the thefts at night with the help of young men recruited from Nyabugogo, who typically worked as porters. Once the cows were stolen, they would be taken to a forest, slaughtered, and the usable meat packed while the rest was abandoned.

The meat would then be carried to the roadside by his accomplices, where a motorcyclist partner transported it to a butcher, who sold it to restaurants and bars.

Sekompa’s arrest came after his porter, identified as Iradukunda, was intercepted one morning by local residents. Covered in blood and smelling of raw meat, Iradukunda’s evasive responses prompted the locals to alert law enforcement.

This is not the first time Sekompa has faced legal consequences for theft. He previously served a year in rehabilitation at Iwawa and two years in prison at Mageragere Correctional Facility.

ACP Rutikanga also mentioned that another notorious suspect, Uwitonze Jean Paul, who slaughters stolen cows in his banana plantation, is still at large.

The Police spokesperson warned those still engaged in cattle theft, particularly in the Southern Province and other regions, to cease their criminal activities.

He urged residents to purchase meat from verified sources and to report any suspicious activities. He also called on local leaders to act with integrity to eradicate such crimes.

Under Article 224 of Rwanda’s Penal Code, those convicted of forming or participating in criminal groups face 7 to 10 years in prison.

Additionally, Article 166 stipulates that theft is punishable by one to two years in prison and a fine ranging from RWF 1 million to RWF 2 million, six months of community service, or a combination of these penalties.

Article 190 specifies that individuals convicted of harming domestic animals, injuring, or killing them face six months to one year in prison and a fine of RWF 300,000 to RWF 500,000, or either penalty.