Twenty-one people were on Thursday, July 1, arrested in Huye District in two separate bars where they were gathered drinking.
The violators had closed doors to prevent being detected by authorities. Bars are among services that are still closed as part of the national measures to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Besides, social gatherings are also prohibited and everyone is required to be home by 6pm.
Police and local leaders found the group at about 7pm drinking in the bars belonging to Venuste Nsanzimana, 40, and Antoine Majyambere, 48, both located in Gako Village, Sovu Cell in Huye Sector.
It is the second time that Nsanzimana has been arrested over the same violation. He was in March caught operating the bar, educated on the government directives but also fined.
The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said the violators were found in the two bars at about 7pm.
“Area residents called the Police reporting two bars, which were operating and with a big gathering inside closed doors drinking. Police and local leaders went there at about 7pm and managed to arrest 21 people including the owners of the bars,” SP Kanamugire said.
The executive secretary for Huye Sector, Prosper Rwamucyo told the violators that disregarding the measures against Covid-19 is shameful and reckless behaviors which can lead to further spread of Covid-19 and loss of more lives.
“It shocking to see people going against the national directives in such a state where Covid-19 cases and deaths continue to increase. Drinking is not worth your life; if you feel you want to drink, buy your drinks and take them from home where you are at least safe, avoid such social gatherings which put your life and family at risk,” Rwamucyo said.
Rwanda, on Thursday, recorded 865 new Covid-19 cases and record high 10 related fatalities.
Rwamucyo further reminded the public to wash hands as many times as possible, wear face masks and maintain physical distance as one of the shields against the pandemic.
He also called upon the public to continue sharing information on violators including operating bars and social gatherings.(End)