Police are holding two men who were arrested as they attempted to rob Indian businessmen at gunpoint. The suspects, currently under custody at Remera Police Station, were identified as Ali Bahizi, alias Ninja, and Amri Rugerinyange. They were arrested as they tried to rob EST Harjit Company of Rwf5.6 million. Harjit is a trading company dealing in car tyres with stores at the industrial area in Gikondo. The robbery was foiled with the help of an RGL security guard, who, while in touch with Police over the crime, intercepted one of the armed robbers before Police officers arrived and disarmed him. Police Spokesperson Celestin Twahirwa said on Friday, at around 3am, Bahizi, Rugerinyange and a one Callixte drove into Harjit Company in Kimihurura posing as clients. “The driver, Rugerinyange, remained in the car while Bahizi and Callixte entered Harjit offices and held three staff at gunpoint using a pistol. The suspects robbed their victims of Rwf5.6 million that was kept in the safe,” said Twahirwa. He added that as the two suspects walked out with the money, one of the employees who was in the compound saw the pistol and made an alarm. “A security guard who was on duty closed the gates and called Police as he wrestled Bahizi. Calixte jumped over the wall and escaped and Police officers arrested Bahizi and Rugerinyange as the latter attempted to drive off from the scene,” said the Police spokesperson. Twahirwa thanked the security company for their cooperation and timely information sharing, saying, “If we keep up this kind of cooperation there is no doubt we can stop crime from happening.” Police are still conducting further investigations into the case. The Managing Director of Harjit, Deepak Ganatra, thanked Police for their timely intervention and returning the money. “I’ve lived in Rwanda for the last 15 years and I am very much assured of the security here. I am thankful to Rwanda National Police for the job well done and professionalism exhibited while apprehending the suspects,” Ganatra said. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
