Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called for the public’s vigilance and active partnership in maintaining safety and security in this festive season.
The force said that the proactive ideology of community policing plays a great role in fighting and preventing crimes, identifying wrongdoers and called for “continued responsive spirit by reporting anyone that would attempt to destabilize their peace, joy and celebrations.”
The call was made by RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera while appearing on Waramutse Rwanda, a morning talk-show on Rwanda Television.
“We have had safer and peaceful festivities over the past years and this will be no different; we will continue to secure people as usual, but Police can’t be everywhere,” CP Kabera said.
He added: “Some wrongdoers may exploit this festive season to break into houses; if you are planning to go out leave someone behind and don’t leave children unattended. We also encourage timely reporting in case of any suspicious acts.”
The RNP spokesperson reminded people, who wish to host events during this festive period to get authorisation ahead of time adding that “this facilitates the Police to ensure security of the people and premises so that they can enjoy in safer and secure environment.”
“As you are celebrating, do not sell or serve alcoholic beverages to minors, respect your neighbors, who want to enjoy in a quiet environment… your joy and celebration styles should not interfere with the rights of other people.”
CP Rafiki Mujiji, Commissioner of Traffic and Road Safety department, who was on the same talk-show, reminded the public to respect traffic rules and regulations as they celebrate.
“The festive season is not an excuse to violate traffic regulations. The behaviors expected of motorists include respecting the speed limit, not using a phone while driving, not driving when tired or under the influence of alcohol,” CP Mujiji emphasized.
He added: “In line with the ongoing Gerayo Amahoro road safety campaign, public transport operators are urged to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and to refrain from loading vehicles beyond capacity and disconnecting speed governor devices so as to make many shifts, but putting lives of passengers and other road users at high risk.”
Gerayo Amahoro is a 52 week-long campaign, now in its 33rd week, which brings together different government organs, and transport agencies, among other actors, in an effort to persuade and motivate road users to change their attitudes and behaviors to improve road safety.
CP Mujiji urged the public to always report drivers’ wrong maneuvers or other violations by calling 112, 113, 0788311155 and 0788311110. (End)