SOUTHERN PROVINCE 

MUHANGA—A local-defence force officer is currently being held at Muhanga police station for allegedly stealing property worth thousands of Rwandese Francs from Muhanga market.

Celestine Muzerwa, 31, is accused of stealing radio cassette players, sewing machines, shoe polish and chocolate bars from the market stands.

He was leaving the market at night when police caught him.  
Police also reveal that seven local-defence officers are under investigation for taking part in various thefts, some amounting to Frw600,000 from the market and around town in the past week. Names would not be disclosed by police.

Muzerwa is currently facing courts this week and has made statements implying guilt to the media already.

"It is true. I did steal the property out of ignorance and lacked contemplation. The whole act was aimed at malice upon my counterpart who accused me for stealing Frw20,000 from a shop when I was fired,” Muzerwa said.

Evariste Nkuruziza, local-defence unit commander in Muhanga said that the practice was not abnormal.

"Muzerwa acted like any local residents since he is on a one-year suspension from the forces for various cases of misconduct and his involvement in theft. It is a habit that has been suspected for long,” Nkuruziza said.

"Police and Muhanga district officials have since taken up measures to train the forces and screen the incompetent personnel.” Seventy local-defence officers have been sacked so far this year in the area.

"The thefts are a new issue and we shall combat it immediately,” Nkuruziza said.

"However, some cases of theft include the traders and local masterminding of the scenarios for profit.”

Seven market vendors were last week fined Frw10,000 and suspended for two weeks after leaving stalls open, then claiming acts of theft and burglary. 

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