On Sunday, June 20, Rwanda National Police (RNP) paraded to the media 26 people, who were arrested in different parts of City of Kigali over driving while drunk and violating the curfew.
They were paraded at Nyarugenge District Police Unit offices in Rwezamenyo Sector. RNP spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that all the 26 were arrested in a span of four days, (June 16 to June 19) in Kigali.
“Some of them were driving while drunk during prohibited movement hours. They are knowingly violating traffic rules and setting a bad example because they are drivers with driving permit,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “There is no exception in respecting traffic rules and observing Covid-19 guidelines. Alcohol is not prohibited but when you drink you must not drive. Again, if you want to drink, we expect you to drink from your home but it looks like these people were in prohibited social gatherings from where they had their drinks and went on to drive while drunk and violated the curfew.”
Patrick Mazimpaka, one of the suspects said he was arrested at about 9:10pm. He added that he had taken a local brew called Kambuca.
A taxi-moto operator, who only identified himself as Emmanuel, said that he was arrested on June 19, in Kibagabaga Sector, Gasabo District.
He claimed that he was not drunk but admitted that driving while drunk is a “fatal decision.”
CP Kabera cautioned of strengthened operations against anyone flouting the government directives and violating traffic regulations including drunk-driving.(End)