Senelec cable thefts: The Rufisque prosecutor requests the opening of a judicial investigation against the 7 suspects, including an Indian national.

The Criminal Investigation Division (DIC) brought before the court on Monday morning four members of the gang suspected of burglarizing electrical substations in Diamniadio, Kounoune, Sangalkam, and Sébikotane, as well as three alleged receivers of stolen goods, including an Indian national. According to Seneweb sources, Prosecutor Cheikh Diakhoumpa, head of the Rufisque prosecutor's office, requested a judicial investigation against the seven arrested suspects. They were taken directly to prison. Their case is currently in the hands of the senior judge at the Rufisque High Court.

The gang's alleged crimes took place over several months in 2026. According to confessions obtained by investigators, the suspects burglarized electrical substations during May, August, and September. The head of Senelec's legal department confirmed that these crimes were committed between August 17 and September 17, 2026. The substations targeted were located in Sébikotane, Kounoune, Diamniadio 1, and Diamniadio 2.

The case began with a report from residents in the Rufisque department. Technicians from Senelec, who operate within the department's jurisdiction, went to the scene. They discovered burglaries and acts of vandalism at the electrical substations in Diamniadio, Kounoune, Sangalkam, and Sébikotane.

On September 21, 2026, the Director of Legal Affairs at Senelec filed a complaint with the DIC (Criminal Investigation Division) on behalf of the company's Director General. The complaint was filed against persons unknown for theft and vandalism. Detectives went to the scene to gather evidence. Subsequent technical investigations and regular patrols in the affected areas led to the formal identification and arrest of the perpetrators.

During their respective interrogations, the alleged ringleader, A. Diallo alias "MCI," and his accomplices, A. Ba alias "Rone," MS Boireau alias "Ndiol," and MK Sow, all admitted to actively participating in the burglary of the electrical substations in question. They vehemently maintained that they acted for financial gain.

The four men named three other people as receivers of stolen goods in this case. These are B. Pankaj, an Indian national, and L. Diop, both managers of the Indian company Plastika Africa, as well as A. Khouma alias "Alou".

A search was carried out at the warehouses of the company in question. It led to the discovery of several cables which, according to the plaintiff, originate from Senelec's electrical substations.

Technical analysis revealed the presence of all gang members in the areas where the series of burglaries were perpetrated.

The investigation concluded with the arraignment of A. Diallo, alias "MCI," A. Ba, alias "Rone," MS Boireau, alias "Ndiol," MK Sow, B. Pankaj, L. Diop, and A. Khouma, alias "Alou," this Monday before Prosecutor Cheikh Diakhoumpa, head of the Rufisque prosecutor's office. They are being prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, burglary committed at night, as a group, and using a vehicle, destruction of public property (electrical installations), receiving stolen goods, and complicity in these crimes.

Senelec's reaction

The Senelec representative expressed his dismay at the commission of such acts, which he considered a threat to public safety and the continuity of the public electricity service. He emphasized that the damage suffered by the company is currently being assessed by the distribution management.