Police in Nyagatare District have arrested three men, including a teacher, in connection with the theft of 29 laptops from GS Runyinya School.

Joel Munyaneza, a teacher at the same school, is alleged to have connived with two school guards, identified as Jean Baptiste Hatangimbabazi and Celestin Kabirigi, to steal the electronics.

The 29 pieces were meant for pupils at GS Runyinya under the ‘One Laptop per Child’ programme.

They were stolen from the school laboratory on Tuesday night.

The suspects were by press time in custody at Tabagwe Police Station.

The school administration reported the case to the Police when they found the laptops missing from the laboratory.

"When I arrived at school early in the morning, I noticed that the laboratory door was open. When I entered, I discovered that 29 computers were missing and I immediately alerted the Police, who initiated the investigations that led to the arrest of three suspects. Other schools should learn from this unfortunate experience and take all necessary precautions,” said Eugene Rwakibibi, the school head teacher.

The Police spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said although prime suspects were apprehended, investigations were still going on to recover the stolen computers and apprehend all those connected to the burglary.

"These are computers provided by the Government to facilitate children’s learning. Stealing them does not only affect the children, but also the nation. That is why it requires collective efforts to fight such crimes. Anyone with information on this theft should cooperate with the investigators,” IP Kayigi said.

He urged Rwandans to always report such cases immediately to enable the Police deal with them effectively.

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