Since the beginning of 2020 only 4 people were caught in acts of stealing electricity while REG’s efforts to combat it have been enhanced.
On 10th January, 2020 in Gasabo District, , Kacyiru Sector, Kinyinya Cell, Kagugu Village, REG staff facilitated by security organs and local communities caught Tugizwenayo Jean Aimé Pierre a tenant of Mujawamariya Claudine stealing electricity. The suspect was immediately held at Kinyinya Police Station while his case was being followed by RIB Kinyinya.
On 07th January, 2020 in Musanze District, Nyange Sector, Kabeza Cell, Kibingo Village; three people TURATSINZE Bienvenue, TUYISHIME Emmanuel and their aid stealing electricity in their welding workshop. Suspects are still detained at Kinigi RIB Station..
All these fraudsters accept the crimes they committed and their cases will be handled by courts of law.
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.
He also said that announcements on radio and TV have been made to call the public to collaborate with REG and security organs in demonstrating these people stealing electricity and rewards are planned for those collaborating to apprehend fraudsters.
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.
Electricity theft is punishable whether stealing electricity connected to the grid or off-grid.
