Rwanda National Police has arrested five men suspected of posing as employees of the Rwanda Energy Group (REG) while stealing electricity cables and other equipment in Gasabo District.
The suspects were arrested between August 21 and September 9, 2026, following complaints from residents of Jali Sector that people were cutting electricity cables, leaving households and parts of the sector without power.
Police said the suspects were found with items associated with REG workers, including pliers, safety boots, cash-power meters, belts used to climb electricity poles and electricity cables.
According to police, the suspects used the equipment and clothing to convince residents that they were REG employees carrying out electricity-related work before cutting and stealing cables from power poles.
CIP Wellars Gahonzire, Rwanda National Police spokesperson for Kigali City, commended residents for alerting police and urged the public to be cautious when approached by people claiming to work for REG.
“Residents should report such people to the police whenever they see them. It has been established that some of them are thieves who steal electricity cables, causing power outages. Such outages can also create opportunities for criminals to commit other offences in areas affected by the loss of electricity,” Gahonzire said.
He also warned residents against people who demand money while claiming they can connect them to electricity at a cheaper cost.
“These are also fraudsters whose intention is to steal from residents. Report them whenever you see them so that they can be arrested and held accountable,” he said.
Police also warned traders against buying electrical equipment without verifying its source, saying those found in possession of stolen equipment could face prosecution.
“Anyone found with electrical equipment who cannot explain where they obtained it will also be treated as a suspect and held accountable,” Gahonzire said.
Article 182 of Law No. 68/2018 of August 30, 2018, criminalises the intentional destruction or damage of infrastructure, including electricity and communication facilities.
A person convicted under the provision faces between three and five years in prison and a fine of between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.
Police said they will continue to crack down on the theft and destruction of electricity infrastructure and urged residents to report suspicious activities involving people working on electricity poles or power lines.
