Police in Gatsibo District are holding two men in connection with theft of electrical cables.

The suspects were identified as Innocent Habimana and Innocent Nduhuyabagabo are being held at Ngarama and Mugera Police stations respectively.

Habimana was arrested on Tuesday by residents under community policing in Gitoki Sector.

He was caught red-handed cutting electric cables from an electric pole while his co-accused was arrested later as an accomplice.

The arrests follow reports of rampant electrical cable theft in the district since December last year.

Speaking to The New Times on Wednesday, Emmanuel Tulinduga, the branch supervisor of Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL) in Gatsibo, said cable theft cases were affecting power transmission in the area.

"It is a big problem that electrical infrastructure is being damaged as it affects a number of businesses operating in the area,” he said.

The stolen cables, made of pure copper, are said to be sold to a Ugandan dealer, according to the suspects.

Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, the police spokesperson in Eastern Province, said theft cases have been reported in other areas of the Province, especially in Rwamagana and Kayonza.

He said, tough measures are being taken to protect public infrastructure.

"It’s not the first time we have heard of this case but, thanks to community collaboration. We shall work with local community as usual to protect public infrastructure,” Kayigi said.

Rwanda Energy Group report shows that electrical equipment stolen between 2006 and July 2015 is worth Rwf 1.5 billion.

Stanley Nkubito, the head of Energy efficiency and revenue protection unit at REG called on eastern Province residents to respect public infrastructure by offering immediate information about theft to Police.

"Many businesses have been affected…people should take responsibility to protect public property and closely work with police to track suspects,” he said.

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