GATSIBO – Four men alleged to have stolen 15 heads of cattle in Gatsibo district have been arrested and detained by Nyagatare Police.

Police identified the suspects as James Kazungu, a resident of Musheri sector in Nyagatare district, Donat Dushimimana, Jacque Majyambere and Francois Mbarushimana, all residents of Rwimbogo sector in Gatsibo district.

Sources revealed that the suspects first confessed to the crime at the prosecution offices but later denied the charges upon being handed over to the police.

Speaking to The New Times from the police custody, the four denied the allegations, saying they were being framed.
 ‘I don’t even have any connection with cattle theft. I am a cyclist, I don’t even graze cows,’ Mbarushimana said.

Another suspect James Kazungu, said he was "innocent.’
The arrests follow a wave of cattle theft that hit the region in recent times.

Close to 50 head of cattle have been stolen in different parts of Karangazi sector in Nyagatare district alone, authorities say.

Residents whose cows were stolen said they suspect the stolen cattle were sneaked into Tanzania.

Ends