Rwandan national caught stealing from solar panels

KABALE | Police in the southwestern district of Kabale are holding a man who was caught red-handed on top of solar panels stealing.

The suspect, a Rwandan national, was vandalising the solar panels in the company of an accomplice at 5am when security operatives swooped in on them.

The solar panel installation are located along NSSF Makanga road in central division, Kabale Municipality, in the early hours of Wednesday, April 10.

According to ASP Elly Maate, the Kigezi Region Police spokesperson, the suspect was in no luck but his accomplice appears to still have had his proverbial ninth life at large as he escaped the scene.

“This incident occurred around 5am when our officers received the reports of suspicious persons sighted on the solar panels and responded swiftly to thwart the attempted theft,” he said.

Sources at Police say the suspect, who lives in Kabale town, would not record a statement as he allegedly feigned mental case instead.

"He was acting mad," said the source, who added that police were aware that the suspect always feigned metal problems to prey on unsuspecting members of the public.

Mr Maate said police would gather comprehensive information on suspect's associates to ensure their apprehension and subsequent prosecution.

He urged residents to report any suspicious activities promptly, reiterating the police’s dedication to safeguarding public and private property.

The attempted vandalism serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in securing renewable energy infrastructure against theft and damage.

Authorities continue to reinforce measures to protect such critical assets, underscoring the significance of renewable energy in the region’s sustainable development efforts.