From 20th to 27th September, 2019 in regular campaigns to combat electricity theft conducted by Rwanda Energy Group Limited (REG) in collaboration with Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Rwanda National Police and local communities, fifteen (15) people were caught across the country accused of stealing electricity.
On 26th September, 2019 Nsanzabera Daniel and a representative of CEPTL Cooperative were caught in Gahunda and Cyanika Sectors in Burera district accused of stealing electricity in their houses.
On 26th September, 2019 again in Burera, Gahunga Sector, KANANI Benjamin and his son NSANZABERA Daniel were caught accused of stealing electricity in their separate houses, one is carpentry workshop another house has a milling machine.
On 25th September, 2019 DADAYE Mercuor, RUTAZIHANA Damascène and SIBOMANA Jean Claude were arrested at Nduba Sector, Gasabo_District, accused of stealing electrical equipment of REG.
On 25th September, 2019 Nzamurambaho Felicien, Niyonzima Joseph, Hitimana Eugene and Ayirwanda Benoit were apprehended accused of stealing electricity in their living houses located in Tumba Sector, Huye District.
On 24th September, 2019, HATEGEKIMANA Jean Baptiste was also caught accused of stealing electricity at Gaseke business centre, Kabaya sector, Ngororero.
On 24th September again BIGIRIMANA Léonard who does his business at Gaseke business centre, Kabaya sector, Ngororero District was caught stealing electricity.
On 21st in Rusizi, Kamembe Sector, Kamurera Cell, Nshimiyimana Emmanuel was caught with electricity insulators and arrested.
On 20th September, in Gasabo_District, Rusororo sector, Kabuga II cell, KUBWIMANA Ericwas caught accused of stealing electricity in his living house.
Among these 15 people caught, 13 have been arrested and their cases are being handled by RIB, other 2 people (KANANI Benjamin and his son NSANZABERA Daniel) escaped security organs and are wanted to respond to crimes committed.
Nkubito Stanley; the head for energy efficiency and revenue protection at EUCL-REG
condemns the act of stealing electricity and says that REG will not tolerate such crimes and measures to curb electricity theft have been reinforced.
He further says that electricity theft hinders the development of the country and may cause incidents.
Nkubito says that many of these people were apprehended in facilitation of local communities and announcements have been made to call the public to collaborate with REG and security organs in demonstrating these people stealing electricity.
Since December, 2018 REG is conducting regular similar inspections to detect and leverage electricity theft to ensure that the suspects are caught and brought to justice.
Statistics show that Commercial electricity losses are still high with a percentage of around 6.5 of the electricity generated in the country and out of which a big percentage emanates from electricity theft.
Findings from last year revealed that electricity stolen was evaluated at around 1.9 billion Frw.
Theft of electricity is a crime and is punishable by fines and/or incarceration.
Theft of electricity is punishable by the law N°52/2018 of 13/08/2018 modifying Law Nº21/2011 of 23/06/2011 governing electricity in Rwanda as modified to date
