From 12th September up to 18th September, 2019 in regular electricity anti-theft inspections conducted by Rwanda Energy Group Limited (REG) in collaboration with Rwanda Investigation Bureau, Rwanda National Police and local communities, six (6) people were caught across the country and arrested accused of stealing electricity.
On 17th September, 2019 in Rusizi District, Bugarama Sector, Pera Cell, Mwaro Village, Bushigo Bagaya and his wife Naweza Baseme were caught and arrested alleged of stealing electricity in their house that has milling machines.
On 16th September again in Rusizi District, Giheke Sector, Murambi Cell, Mukamukarage Consolé was caught accused of stealing electricity in her carpentry workshop.
On 13th September in Musanze District,, Cyuve Sector, Bukinanyana Cell, Murambi Village NSHIMIYIMANA Jerome was caught accused of stealing electricity in his living house.
On 12th September, 2019 in Gatsibo District, Kiziguro Sector, Kinunga village, Ndatemwa Cell, Twizeyimana Justin and Tegura Mariam were arrested accused of stealing electricity connecting illegally their living houses.
All these suspects are detained in their localities’ custodies while their verdicts are waiting to be examined by competent courts of law.
Nkubito Stanley; the head for energy efficiency and revenue protection at EUCL-REG says that these suspects will be brought to books of accounts for their crimes committed.
Nkubito condemns the act of stealing electricity and calls upon citizens to distance themselves from stealing electricity or working with people that may engage them in malpractices of stealing electricity.
He further says that electricity theft hinders the development of the country and may cause incidents.
“REG in partnership with security organs and local communities has taken measures to curb electricity theft across the country because the issue affects not only the company but also the country in general and affects the national development goals. These people were apprehended with the facilitation from the local population, we urge the general public not to be involved in dreadful acts” disclosed nkubito.
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.
