Police in Rwanda’s Southern Province have arrested three men suspected of stealing four goats and detained the owner of the goats over allegations that he helped orchestrate the theft.
The three men were arrested in Mataba-Sud Village, Kabugondo Cell, Mugina Sector, Kamonyi District, while allegedly driving four goats suspected to have been stolen from a household.
Police said the suspects were found with Munyanziza Faustin, the owner of the goats, who was also arrested as investigations continue into his alleged involvement in the incident.
The four goats were recovered and returned to the household from which they were allegedly stolen.
The three suspects are being held at Mugina Police Station, while investigators continue to establish the role of each person in the alleged theft.
According to police in the Southern Province, preliminary findings indicate that Munyanziza allegedly arranged for his own goats to be stolen. Police said he told investigators that he had been experiencing conflicts with his wife and had decided to sell the goats without her knowledge as a way of retaliating against her.
Southern Province Police spokesperson CIP Hassan Kamanzi said wasting, misusing or disposing of household property in the context of a domestic dispute can constitute an offence.
“Having disagreements with your spouse or partner should not be a reason to waste or misuse household property. When there is a problem, couples should communicate and seek peaceful ways of resolving it rather than resorting to retaliation,” Kamanzi said.
He urged couples to resolve disputes through dialogue and encouraged members of the public to seek assistance from relevant authorities rather than resorting to actions that could result in criminal offences.
Police also called on residents to avoid using unlawful means to resolve conflicts and instead seek help from the appropriate authorities to address disputes peacefully and constructively.
