The trio was taken into custody at about 8p.m, in Boli village, Miko cell of Karengera sector, shortly after a violent theft when they attacked and injured a 60-year old man before stealing Rwf300,000, a cellphone and other electronics from him.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, said that the trio, armed with traditional tools, injured the victim on shoulders and chest, and was rescued to Mwezi health center for treatment.

"The victim was found by a passerby groaning on the side of the remote road where he had been attacked and injured by suspected thieves, and called the Police," SP Karekezi said.

He added: "The search for the suspects was immediately commenced and three people said to be behind the violent theft were located and arrested shortly after in the same village.

They were found in possession of the same phone stolen from the victim and Rwf114,900, said to be part of the Rwf300,000 that they had also stolen from the victim. They had used part of the money to buy 7kgs of meat, among others, which they were caught with. They were handed over to RIB at Karengera station for further investigations."

Two of the suspects are aged 23 while the third member is aged 30. "These are young and energetic people, who should be working instead of going astray in criminal activities and wasting their lives in prison."

Under Article 168 of the law determining offences and penalties, any person convicted for violent theft face between five and seven years in prison and a fine of between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.