The quartet arrested on Friday, December 4, are Samuel Uwizeyimana, 21; Jean de Dieu Tuyishimire, 21; Samuel Uwiringiyimana, 20; and Claude Nayituriki, 22.
Their arrest followed last month's arrest of their alleged ringleader, a one Cesar Rwakayiro, who was taken into custody on November 28.
The arrest of Rwakayiro was in response to the concern raised by a local resident, who reported to Rwanda National Police (RNP) through its twitter accountâ€"@Rwandapolice.
At the time, the resident told the Police, through the social media platform, that Rwakayiro was intimidating and beating people "because he is rich."
Rwakayiro, on November 26, allegedly assaulted and injured a certain Emmanuel Ndagijimana with a machete. Rwakayiro was subsequently arrested over the violent assault.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that following the Rwakayiro's arrest, it later emerged that he was heading a ring, which was ambushing people at night, assaulting them and stealing their valuables.
"The four men, who are members of Rwakayiro's group that was assaulting and robbing people at night, were tracked down and arrested on December 4, with the help of residents, who provided credible information," SP Kanamugire said.
The violent ring was using machetes and dogs to attack and steal valuables, including money, from people at night.
"They are said to be behind similar violent theft cases especially in the villages of Gahungeri, Nyamabuye and Murambi, all in Rukoma Sector. Most of the victims are not residents of the sector but rather people that were transiting through those villages going to other destinations," SP Kanamugire said.
He warned that no one will disturb the safety, peace and wellbeing of the people and go scot-free.
"You will be arrested and justice will be served," said the spokesperson.
Under Article 168 of the law determining offences and penalties, any person convicted for violent theft face between five and seven years in prison and a fine of between Frw3 million and Rwf5 million.
In Article 121, any person convicted for intentional assault or battery faces between three and five years and a fine of between Frw500,000 and Frw1 million.
However, if the assault or battery cause illness or non-permanent incapacity to work, the penalty is 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of between Frw3 million and Frw5 million.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/kamonyi-four-gangsters-arrested-over-violent-theft
