Simba Supermarket one of the biggest retail supermarkets in Rwanda is faced with a problem of shoplifters as it ponders opening more branches in the country.

On Monday a 50-year old lady, Anita Mukamana, was caught by the staff with the help of security closed circuit cameras trying to shoplift four kilograms of beef worth Rwf 8,000, while two students were also arrested on the spot trying to steal chocolates.

According to Mukamana, she wanted meat but had no money with eight hungry children to feed, prompting her to shoplift from the supermarket thinking she would not be caught "because the staff there seem to be always busy.”

"I did not expect these people to notice since no one was physically watching me,” Mukamana wondered.

Speaking to The New Times, Justine Ngarambe the Managing Director of the supermarket said that the staff arrests about 12 shoplifters every month through the 18 CCTV cameras installed around the building.

"We call the police to arrest them, but surprisingly, after a few days, they come back. Police should take serious measures,” Ngarambe urged.

"We are concerned the police are not doing enough to protect us from these people who look forward to get free items here, safety is everyone’s concern,” Ngarambe added.

Opened last year, the supermarket is located in the city centre but has expressed interest of becoming a chain store by opening different branches in and outside Kigali City.

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