Eleven people were, on Thursday, April 22, arrested in Kimihurura Sector of Gasabo District where they were gathered holding a birthday party.
Birthday parties are among the prohibited events under the government directives on the prevention of the COVID-19 pandemic spread.
Police and local leaders found the group congregating in a house located in Kimihurura cell of Kimihurura Sector celebrating the birthday for one Kevin Safari, 21, who is among the arrested violators.
The owner of the house, who lives in USA, had left it under the protection of a local private security company.
The security guard at the house identified as Yves Nzamurambaho and the house-help, Jean Irankunda connived with the birthday party organizers to host it at the house.
The violators were on Friday, April 23, paraded before the media at the Police Metropolitan Headquarters in Remera.
The majority are young people aged between 18 and 28.
RNP Spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said the violators were arrested on April 22, at about 2pm following a tip-off by concerned local residents.
“These inappropriate behaviours, especially by the young people, will not be tolerated. We thank members of the public, who continue to be compliant but also report such violations,” CP Kabera warned.
He added that the partnership between the Police, other security organs, local leaders, community policing groups especially the youth volunteers and the public in general, has been effective in educating and enforcing the directives.
“Complying with the directives and health guidelines in particular is for your own safety. Coronavirus is still in our midst, with new infections every day and related fatalities. These parties can lead to another wave of spread.”
The RNP Spokesperson reminded the public to continue observing all measures meant to contain the spread of Covid-19 and commended citizens for information sharing on violators.
Kevin Safari, who had invited his colleagues for his birthday party, regretted the behaviours and advised other people especially the youth to abide by the directives and safety guidelines.
Yves Nzamurambaho, a security guard at the house where the party was hosted acknowledged his mistakes, begged for pardon and pledged to adhere to all Covid-19 containment guidelines.
The violators were enlightened on directives and health practices to contain Covid-19 and also fined for the violation. (End)