Ignace Ndikumana, 15, and Roberto Ishimwe, 18, were caught with four cooked chickens that they had started eating. They had stolen the chickens from a neighbor in Kibirizi Village, Gashinga Sector, Mururu District in Rusizi.
The Executive Secretary of Gashinga Sector, Theogene Munyaneza, reported that these young men were known troublemakers. They had dropped out of school, and the community was trying to find them, suspecting them of theft.
He said, “We went to Roberto’s grandmother’s house, where the 82-year-old woman lives with them. We found that they had cooked four chickens and started eating one, while the others were still uncooked. It was suspected they had planned to sell the remaining chickens to buy alcohol. They were caught red-handed and admitted their crime without any hesitation.”
He continued, “These are troubled youths who abandoned school and turned to theft. Despite efforts to help them return to school, they kept relapsing into criminal behavior. The community was so frustrated that they suspected these boys were responsible for the missing chickens. We tracked them down and caught them in the act of cooking the stolen chickens.”
The official added that when they were caught, their parents agreed to pay for the stolen chickens. However, since the parents were known for causing trouble and stealing, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) did not tolerate the crime. The boys are now being held at the Kamembe Police Station.
The authorities advised the elderly woman not to allow such children into her home again, as this was the second time. Previously, another grandchild had been arrested for stealing a neighbor’s motorbike, which was later found at her house. The police suggested she regularly check her home for stolen items brought by such children and report any suspicious activity early.
Parents were also urged to ensure their children attend school, whether regular or vocational, and to involve local authorities if their children refuse to learn.
