The Rwanda National Police in Kigali has arrested eleven people suspected of ambushing and robbing pedestrians during night hours in different parts of the city.
According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Wellars Gahonzire, the Police Spokesperson for the City of Kigali, the suspects were apprehended in separate operations conducted in Nyamirambo and Nyabugogo following several complaints from residents about nighttime assaults and theft.
CIP Gahonzire told Taarifa Rwanda that police had been receiving reports from residents who said they were being attacked and robbed by unknown individuals while returning home at night.
After gathering sufficient intelligence, officers launched a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of 11 suspects.
“Police had been alerted by the public that some people were ambushing residents and robbing them of their belongings. We carried out thorough investigations before tracking and arresting them. We are glad to report that at least 11 suspects have been taken into custody,” said Gahonzire.
The arrests in Nyamirambo were made between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., near the cemetery area along a footpath frequently used by residents returning home.
In Nyabugogo, police arrested another group between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., particularly in Muhima Sector, Nyabugogo Cell, Ubucuruzi Village, where five suspects were apprehended.
The six suspects arrested in Nyamirambo were found in Rugarama Cell, Rubona Village. Among them, the youngest is 17 years old, while the oldest is 30.
In Nyabugogo, the oldest suspect is 43 years old, and the youngest 29.
CIP Gahonzire emphasized that robbery remains one of the most common crimes in Rwanda and takes different forms — from street ambushes and burglary to fraud, cyber theft, and other methods. He noted that most of those caught are young people, often driven by the desire to get rich quickly or due to unemployment.
“The Rwanda National Police will not tolerate anyone who disturbs the peace and safety of citizens, especially those who ambush and rob people on the streets,” he warned.
Gahonzire urged residents to continue cooperating with the police by reporting suspicious individuals and activities in their neighbourhoods.
“We call on the public to remain vigilant and to keep sharing information with the police. Working together helps ensure everyone’s safety,” he said.
The suspects are currently under police custody pending further investigations before being forwarded to prosecution.
