Two arrested for stealing fuel

Police have arrested two suspects who were caught while offloading gallons of diesel from a truck that belongs to a road construction company.They had already managed to offload 3,200 litres of diesel equivalent to Frw. 3,392,000.Suleiman Niyitegeka, 35, and 19-year old Eric Nsengumuremyi, were nabbed after a tip off..

Sunday, May 01, 2011
The two suspects who were found with stolen fuel (Courtesy photo).

Police have arrested two suspects who were caught while offloading gallons of diesel from a truck that belongs to a road construction company.

They had already managed to offload 3,200 litres of diesel equivalent to Frw. 3,392,000.

Suleiman Niyitegeka, 35, and 19-year old Eric Nsengumuremyi, were nabbed after a tip off..

The police intercepted the truck that carried the fuel which the suspects said belonged to one, Rasta who was following behind.

Rasta however evaded arrest taking off as soon as the truck was seized. He was driving a Toyota COROLLA Reg no: RAA 288P.

The suspects are currently held at Muhima police station as investigations are ongoing.

Niyitegeka, the owner of the house where the merchandise was stored confessed his role in the crime.

"I apologize for not revealing the information to police yet I knew what was being kept in my house and which I indeed knew was illegal business,” Niyitegeka said.

Nsengumuremyi, a store keeper at Rasta’s house said that though he knew it was illegal to sell stolen fuel he turned a blind eye so as to earn a living.
Police Spokesperson, Superintendent Theos Badege, commended the whistleblower for sharing information that led to the arrest of suspects.

"The arrest of these suspects should serve as a warning to the rest who may harbour plans to indulge in any illegal business or other criminal; activities that the security organs are determined to apprehend them and ensure they face justice,” Badege said.

Badege further noted that it is risky keeping petroleum products in a house located in crowded neighbourhoods as fire can easily break out killing people and destroying property.

He urged citizens to opt for legally acceptable business if they are to avoid colliding with the law.

Ends