At least 42 people were found gathered in the wilderness praying in Gisagara District, Gishubi Sector in Nyakibungo Cell. They were at the time gathered in the gazetted forest located in the village of Banga.
Their actions are contrary to the government directives that prohibit big gatherings to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said that the illegal gathering was reported by residents in the area.
“Residents had reported that this specific religious group converges in the forest every Thursday. Reacting to this information, security organs and local leaders, on Thursday, went to the forest where the 42 people were found gathered, praying. Majority of them are members of ADEPR Church from the sectors of Gishubi, Mamba and Muganza,” said SP Kanamugire.
The violators include 28 women and nine men, with five children. 32 violators are residents of Muganza Sector; seven came from Gishubi Sector while three others are from Mamba.
“They were close to each other, no social distancing and only nine of them wore a facemask. They were fined for the violations, but were also enlightened on the pandemic, the way it’s transmitted or spread, national directives and health guidelines that must be followed,” the spokesperson said.
He thanked the residents, who reported the unlawful gathering and reminded the general public that Coronavirus is a serious and deadly virus spread by people due to their inappropriate behaviours and actions that are contrary to the directives and safety guidelines. (End)