Wave of cattle theft hits Rwamagana

RWAMAGANA - Residents of Kigabiro Sector in Rwamagana District are worried about the increasingly rampant cases of cattle theft in the area. Residents have noticed that the cattle rustlers target cows which were donated to them under the cattle stocking programme, ‘Girinka’. Cases of stock theft have been reported especially in the villages of ;Cyanya, Sibagira, Bwiza and Nyagasenyi. “Stock theft is making our lives difficult,” said one of the residents who lost his cow to thieves recently. This is the second time rampant cattle theft has been reported in the district. In 2007, a wave of cattle theft also hit the district, prompting security to be more vigilant. But police are yet to make any arrests. “My life had improved after I got a cow. My garden is now productive due to cow dung manure, and my children can get some milk to drink…but this wave of cattle theft is a big threat to my improved status within society,” said Innocent Habiyakare. One woman spoke with tears rolling her cheeks after the thieves recently stole her cow. “I feel so bad after thieves stole my cow as it was just about to start producing milk. My dream of getting milk for my grand child and myself was shattered,” said Winfrida Mukarunyange, 59, a resident of Sibagira village. Onother victim of the stock theft, Asterie Mukanyirigira, appealed to authorities to step up security. Mukanyirigira claimed to have some clues about the suspected thieves. “Some stolen cows were found in a certain farm in Rubona sector, the owner of the farm should be in position to provide police with the leads,” she said. Residents have decided to intensify night patrols, in an effort to curb theft. Contacted, the Mayor, Valens Ntezirembo acknowledged that he has received reports of numerous cases of cattle theft, and they are still tracking down the thieves. He said the district has restricted movement of cows at night and increased vigilance at slaughter houses, as some of the measures to minimise theft. Ends