At least 64 people have been arrested in separate Rwanda National Police (RNP) operations conducted in Musanze and Nyagatare districts for disregarding the national Covid-19 prevention directives.
In Misanze District, 49 violators arrested over the weekend, were paraded on Monday, September 6, at the Northern Region Police Headquarters.
They include a group of 30 people, who were found in two separate bars drinking, 11 who were holding a wedding preparation meeting in a restaurant and eight who were in a house party.
Emmanuel Hakizimana, one of the violators found in bar drinking, claimed that he was influenced by friends.
“I received a call from my friend, who was already in the bar with other colleagues drinking. He asked me to join them which I did and that is where Police found us and arrested us for flouting the government directives,” Hakizimana said.
The Regional Police Civic Education Officer (RPCEO) for the Western region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alex Ndayisenga said that the violators were arrested during Police operations to enforce the Covid-19 prevention directives.
“The violators were arrested in a span of 3 days–between September 3rd and 5th. We appeal to the public to think twice in whatever they are going to do… it must be in line with the national Covid-19 prevention guidelines. Contrary, you will be arrested,” said CIP Ndayisenga.
Meanwhile, in Nyagatare District, 15 people were caught holding a prayer gathering in the wildernessin Mugari Village, Rutaraka Cell in Nyagatare Sector. The violators came from different religious denominations.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdhuni Twizeyimana said that the violators were arrested due to a tip off by concerned local residents.
Jeany Ingabire, the Executive secretary for Nyagatare sector who was part of the enforcement team, told the violators that conducting such gatherings in prohibited undermines the government efforts against the pandemic.
All the violators were handed administrative fines and subjected to Covid-19 test at own costs. (End)