Ouagadougou:Three young men, aged between twenty and twenty-one, have been sentenced to eighteen months' imprisonment, suspended, and a fine of one million CFA francs for stealing equipment valued at six million CFA francs. The verdict was delivered by the Ouaga I High Court.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the defendants, identified as DR, TG, and CA, admitted to breaking into a shop in July 2026 and stealing boxes of water pumps, cylinders, and starters. The plan, which was devised by five individuals, aimed to fund the purchase of cattle. One accomplice, who was not present in court, allegedly provided the tricycle used to transport the stolen goods.

The court proceedings revealed that the victim, who was not fluent in French, discovered the theft upon her return from a trip and had since reinforced the shop's security. Despite this, the defendants were caught attempting another break-in. The shop owner stated that he had already been compensated for the loss, receiving three million CFA francs in equipment and cash.

A minor, aged fifteen, testified that TG had approached him to "collect some coins" from the shop. The prosecutor requested a 60-month sentence, with 36 months to be served, emphasizing that the receivers of stolen goods are the main beneficiaries of such crimes. Ultimately, the court found the defendants guilty, issuing a suspended sentence and a monetary fine.