Police in Eastern Province yesterday arrested 17 people suspected of stealing cattle in an operation that led to recovery of 59 heads of  cattle that had been missing.

The arrest was triggered by a tip-off from residents over the suspicious behaviour of some of the suspects.

The Regional Police Commander, Eric Mutsinzi, said the rustlers were part of a big network that has caused mayhem to pastoralists in the region.

Mutsinzi said the suspects were arrested through a coordinated operation that was carried out in different sectors of Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts.

"The arrests were made in an operation that lasted for almost a week. We will continue the crackdown. There is a highly coordinated network of cattle thieves that we want to break. They go beyond the communities here,” he said.

"We want the full cooperation of the public, we are aware that there are all sorts of accomplices in the villages but we will get to the last one,” he said.

"The suspects are helping with further investigations,” Mutsinzi added.

Meanwhile, residents were upbeat after Police called on all those who had lost their cattle to go and identify theirs among the recovered heads of cattle.

Mariam Kayitesi, a widow, could not hide her joy when she was told that her cow was part of those recovered.

She told The New Times that residents were wary of the increasing spate of cattle theft.

"I lost the cow I received through the Girinka programme in early November. I thank those who brought it back, I will guard it jealously from now on,” she said.

William Rukundo, Gatsibo executive secretary, said the local leaders were on alert to help the police bust the network.