Rwanda National Police (RNP) has arrested Fidele Mateso, 22, for stealing UGX 11 million (about Rwf4 million) from his employer Camille Mulindi.

Mateso allegedly stole the money from Kilimanjaro Hotel in Kampala, Uganda.

According to Mulindi, Mateso received the money from one of their clients who declared it at the reception for security reasons. Instead of keeping the money in a safe as is the norm, he took the money and fled to Rwanda, Police said.

Ugandan police quickly alerted Rwandan police and Mateso was intercepted at Kabarole in Gatsibo District, Eastern Province.

Speaking to The New Times, Deputy Commissioner Interpol Rwanda Chief Superintendent Peter Karake said the good collaboration between Uganda and Rwanda does not make it possible for a criminal to find refuge in either country as the two countries share information and work together to crack down on cross border crime.

RNP Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Celestin Twahirwa said when people share information about criminals quickly, it makes it easy for the security personnel to track them down as was the case with Mateso.

"Ugandan Police informed the Rwandan Police immediately after the case was reported, the bus in which the suspect was travelling, was stopped at Kabarole after crossing the Kagitumba border and the suspect caught red handed with the money,”Twahirwa said, adding that the culprit will be charged with robbery and might be facing six months to two years in jail.

Speaking to The New Times, Mulindi thanked the Government of Rwanda and RNP for the great work they did in recovering his client’s money and implored Rwandans in the Diaspora to shun engaging in such acts that may bring embarrassment to Rwanda.

"It is embarrassing that the thief is a fellow Rwandan, I had trusted and employed just like a brother, such acts bring shame to our country, especially when we are in the Diaspora”, Mulindi said.

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