At least 302 people were arrested in five different districts of the Eastern Province in Rwanda National Police (RNP) operations targeting bars, which operate contrary to the national directives.
Bars are among services that are still closed as part of the national efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.
The violators include 46 owners and managers of bars. Other 256 are clients, who were at the time found drinking.
The operations were conducted in Rwamagana, Kirehe, Nyagatare, Gatsibo and Bugesera districts.
Some bar owners were found operating from their homes, according to CIP Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region.
“These were targeted Police operations to enforce the government directives designed to contain the pandemic, which can be spread through such social gatherings,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
At least 100 violators including bars owners and clients were found in Kirehe; 82 in Rwamagana; 70 were found in Gatsibo; 44 from Nyagatare; while six were arrested in Bugesera.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson warned that anyone caught flouting the directives will be penalised accordingly, including administrative fines as stated in bylaws.
“If you know that what you are doing is against the government directives, we can advise you to stop because RNP and partners have had enough time to educate the general population on the directives and it’s now time for enforcement including arrests,” CIP Twizeyimana warned.
He further cautioned those using allowed businesses such as restaurants and hotels, as cover to operate prohibited services like bars and thanked members of the public, which report such violations. (End)