Police recovers Rwf10 million stolen from Japanese construction firm

Police in Ngoma district have arrested six people in connection with stealing a metallic money safe containing Rwf10 million from Konoike Construction Limited.

The suspects, who include five employees of the Japanese Construction firm operating in the district, were apprehended on September 5 in possession of the stolen money totaling to Rwf3.1 million Rwf and US$8570.

The suspects include a company security guard and a cleaner.

Following timely delivery of information from the company – Konoike Construction Ltd – the suspects were promptly arrested after intense investigations by Rwanda National Police (RNP) which arrested each suspect separately.

Eastern Region Police Spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Emmanuel Kayigi, revealed that the suspects committed the crime on September 4, when they connived to steal the safe from the offices of the company.

“They entered the company premises at night and stole the safe. The guard, the cleaner, three other employees and an iron-smith who broke the safe are now under police custody. Each of the suspects was found with a portion of the money after they had shared it among themselves,” he said.

“Investigations were successful largely because the company managers immediately informed police about the incident. In a short time, we had zeroed on the prime suspects and captured them. We discovered that they had planned to escape to a neighboring country.”

Upon receiving the recovered money, the company representative, Yamasta Yasuki, expressed gratitude towards Rwanda National Police for its efficient investigations, noting that he was surprised when they were informed that their money had been recovered.

“We have worked in many countries and such incidences have occurred before, but it is the first time we have received back the stolen money. Sometimes even when the suspects are arrested, it is difficult to get back all the money, but it was amazing that we got it all back,” Yasuki said.

“This is a lesson that we will always remember and we now know that working with police is the best way to get justice once something bad has happened.”

IP Kayigi also warned companies against keeping bulky money at their premises and advised them to always save it in banks to keep away criminals.

He further called on security companies to ensure the professionalism and discipline of their guards in order to keep away from indulging in the abuse of their profession through criminal activities.

Article 300 of the Penal Code stipulates that any person who commits theft without violence or threats shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to two years and a fine of 2 to 5 times the value of the stolen property or one of these penalties.

RNP

UM– USEKE.RW