Police recovered over Rwf1.4 million from the suspect, who was arrested the following day on April 16, in his home village of Akabukara, Umubuga cell of Ruramira sector in Kayonza District.

On Monday, April 17, Police handed over the recovered money to the rightful owner, Antoinette Nyirakanani, at the Police metropolitan offices in Gasabo District.

Nyirakanani said that earlier on Saturday, she withdrew Frw2 million from the bank and kept it in the shop.

"The money was in the drawer, so I went outside to talk to a client and left my casual employee (suspect) in the shop. When I went back in the shop, the money was gone and my employee was nowhere to be seen; I immediately reported the theft to the police," Nyirakanani said after receiving part of her money.

She thanked Rwanda National Police (RNP) for the efforts to recover her money, which she said that I would have been a big loss in her business.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Sylvestre Twajamahoro, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that the suspect fled to Kayonza District after stealing the money.

"The District Police units worked together to locate and arrest him on Sunday, April 16. At the time, he was found with Frw1,430,000. He had used the other part of the money to buy a smartphone, clothes, shoes and a traveling bag, which were also seized," CIP Twajamahoro said.

He advised the young people not to waste their energy and time in such criminal activities.

CIP Twajamahoro also urged traders not to keep big sums of money in shops, home or cars.

Article 166 of law determining offences and penalties in general states that; any person convicted of theft is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than one (1) year and not more than two (2) years and a fine of not less than Rwf1 million and not more than Rwf2 million, community service in a period of six (6) months or only one of these penalties.

In article 167, the penalty for theft doubles if the offender committed the crime through burglary, climbing or possession of keys other than the owner; the theft is carried out during the night or the theft is carried out by more than one (1) person.