Mayhem in Kabaya center as a batch of thieves released from prison

“We are no longer sleeping at night. We always fear that they will come to steal. We were safe when those bandits were in prison. After their return, we are now witnessing theft in the villages surrounding Kabaya trading centre. They also beat people and rob their assets.”

“We really asks ourselves why do police have to release those thieves after one month! Why not keep them for a long time. One namely Yibu, son of Lucy even recently, tried to stab my neighbour for he failed to take away her assets. We do not feel secure because of the gang of thieves.” Another resident who preferred anonymity says

Residents claim they even fear those thieves. “You know how it is terrible to meet them going to drink beer in Gacuba or in Gisenyi. They travel in a group of more than 10 people and they insult whoever they see on their way” Another resident lamented

An elderly woman told this newspaper that thieves have forged the keys of her kitchen and recently they have taken away tents and other materials.
Another resident claims, “They are surprised how RIB handles the theft cases. Though the thief is found in the middle of action, RIB will even release him or her before the complainant left their office. Is this the way we can tackle the theft in Kabaya?”

Residents suggest security organs to arrest anyone implicated in the theft and considered a threat to security in Kabaya area so that they can feel secure.
Security authorities in the area admitted there is lack of security due to the return of the notorious thieves.

Thacien Twagirayezu, local leader in charge of security in Kabaye village says, “Since the release of those thieves, we have been receiving complaints from residents. Security situation in Kabaya nowadays is not good. We cannot talk about people being secure while some are properties are taken away by thieves and people threatened. Most of the cases reported are robbery and violence. Actually, we did our part to report those cases to upper authority yet they arrest them and release is executed in a short period of time.”

Twagirayezu alleges it is difficult even to know the real names of those thieves for they are known for nicknames. These include Jean Bosco Nsengiyumva, Bujeni, Hagenimana, and three daughters of Nyirakadori; amongst them, the famous is Nyirabukara, Bisosi and Ndengeje who is also like a father the group.

Local authorities who actually fear those thieves say the group is mostly of young people of age varies from 18 to 22.

Commenting on the root cause of the young people to relate themselves with theft, Twagirayezu says “ They do not want to use their physical ability to work, they have grown the habit of getting stealing. They cannot accept any job for they know their work is at night.” He says adding, “They cannot work for anyone, we mobilized them yet our effort was futile.”

Kabaya village Chief, Claudine Mutuyimana, says, “We have so far been reporting these security threats and we are still waiting the feedback from above.”
Local authorities also are of the view that it will require to take sustainable measures against the insecurity in the area.

“You cannot imprison a thief for only one week, and then you think you have done your job. Those people shortly after release, they beat SEDO as a revenge, they fear none. Why not imprison them for two years. I cannot go home alone at night; I always need Home guard to go with me. We suggest that those who are caught red handed have to face a court of law and if they are guilty, give them sentence. ” One of the local leader says

Executive Secretary of Kigombe Cell, Jasmine Mukamusoni told this newspaper via a short message that “We do not have a security threat in our area.”

Thieves have been in Kabaya since four years ago. Local authorities say they did not record a big number of cases compared to nowadays.