Rwanda National Police (RNP) has issued a stern warning to illegal dealers and technicians of electronics, who are believed to be involved in series burglaries and alteration of electronic devices.
The warning follows the arrest of eight people in Nyamata, Bugesera District and in City of Kigali, who are linked to theft of electronics.
Police also recovered from the suspects, 28 stolen mobile phones, two computers, a tablet and a digital still camera.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, the RNP spokesperson, while speaking on these arrests on Saturday, December 13, said six of the suspects were apprehended in Bugesera and two others in Kigali.
This, he said, was a result of continuous intelligence-led operations and strong collaboration with the public.
“Police and other institutions, are actively targeting individuals involved in the theft of electronic devices, such as mobile phones and computers.
This network include thieves, dealers in used electronics and technicians who specialize in unlocking and resetting these device,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He warned against violating regulations governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment.
“Anyone intending to sell or buy used electrical or electronic equipment, is required to complete a formal declaration that includes their personal identification details as well as the specifications of the device. This process helps confirm the legality of the transaction and protects both buyers and sellers,” he explained.
“We continue to caution anyone engaged in stealing, buying, selling, or illegally modifying electronic devices to immediately desist from such activities. The Rwanda National Police will not relent in enforcing the law, and those who persist in these crimes will inevitably be arrested and face severe legal consequences.”
Article 14 of the regulations Nº DGO/REG/005 of 07/07/2022 governing trade of used electrical and electronic equipment, states that before buying used electrical or electronic equipment, the business operator must verify that the seller is the rightful owner of the equipment.
The business operator must also record the identity of the seller indicating the following items: names, a copy of identity card, passport or business registration certificate; residence; telephone number; and e-mail address, where applicable.
Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than two years and a fine of not less than Frw1 million and not more than Frw2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.
In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing, or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night, or the theft is carried out by more than one person.
