The goods were recovered from three suspected thieves, who were pursued and arrested shortly after the night Saturday burglary.

The recovered good include four bags of rice, a flat television set, two 20-litre jerrycans of cooking oil, a DVD deck and home theatre.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region, identified the suspected thieves as christophe Irakoze, 18, Jean Bosco Basabose, 19, and one only identified as Gabby, 21.

"In the night of Saturday, the victim, Lahab Mukanoheri, called the Police and local leaders reporting that unknown people had broken into his shop located in Kinamba village, Pera cell in Bugarama Sector and stole some of the goods," CIP Karekezi said.

"The deployed police officers pursued the burglars that night and caught them with all the stolen items, which were returned to the owner and suspects handed over to RIB at Bugarama station," he added.

Mukanoheri commended the Police’s quick response to recover her goods.

"It was about 2 AM, it was raining and the thieves entered my shop after vandalizing the window. I was sleeping in the next room when I heard people whispering outside.

When I checked the shop I found I had been robbed and I immediately called the Police and local leaders," Mukanoheri said.

"I am happy that my goods have been recovered because this would have been a big loss in my business. I really thank our Police for the quick response," she added.

Theft, under article 166 of the penal code, is punishable with an imprisonment of between one and two years, a fine of between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million, a community service of not more than six months or one of these penalties.