COVID-19: Police reminds the public to beware of fraudsters

Police spokesperson CP John Bosco Kabera.

Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reminded the public to be vigilant against individuals, who might seize the current situation to dupe the unwitting people claiming to be fumigating homes of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Although there is no such case reported so far, RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera urged the general public to mindful of such likely deceitful individuals.

“We have observed people’s concerns circulating on social media claiming that there is a group of people claiming to be either government officials or hired by the government to sanitize homes of COVID-19,” CP Kabera said.

He added: “There is ongoing sanitation of homes of already confirmed infected people by trained staff from the Ministry of Health supported by Rwanda National Police.”

The spokesperson called upon the public to report such acts of fraud by people impersonating government officials, to be arrested to face justice.

“We understand that this pandemic can cause unnecessary fears, anxiety and confusion that criminals might exploit to do illicit acts. It is important now more than ever to not give in to fear and panic, and rely on official information. Rwanda National Police remains focused to keeping residents of Rwanda safe and secure, but counting on the usual public responsiveness and information sharing.”

CP Kabera reminds the public to utilize the toll-free line 114 any information related to coronavirus, but the usual Police emergency line 112 also serves the purpose in these moments. (Fin)