Police in Gatsibo District have arrested four people said to be behind a series of cattle theft and recovered 19 cows stolen from various farmers in Eastern Province.

The suspects were apprehended red-handed loading the cows in a truck in Bugarama Village, Rugarama Sector, on Tuesday.

The cows were stolen from various farms in the region, Police said.

The suspects are currently detained at Kiramuruzi Police Station as investigations continue.One of the suspects is separately facing another charge of attempted bribery after he tried to pay a Police officer Rwf40,000 to release him.

"We had received cases of cows that were stolen in Gatsibo, but in the night of Tuesday, at about midnight, we received a tip-off from members of the public that there were people loading cows on a truck and we immediately rushed to the scene and found out that they had no authorisation or any other document indicating that what they were doing was legal and we arrested them for further investigations,” Supt. Gerald Habiyambere said.

"We later found out that these were the same cattle that were reported as stolen after owners showed up to check for their missing cows,” he added.

By yesterday evening, some of the farmers had already repossessed their cows.

"We appeal to all whose cows are missing to come at Kabeza cattle market and see if they are among the recovered,” Habiyambere said.

He commended members of the public who gave timely information that led to the recovery of the stolen livestock and arrest of culprits.

"Rwandans should be alert, especially during this festive season, because as they plan to enjoy, there are those that plan to take advantage and steal. Night patrols should be tightened and families should also take precautions, make sure they have closed doors and windows and at least leave someone at home if they are going away for celebrations,” he said.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw