English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) in collaboration with local leaders arrested 153 people over the weekend after they were found holding separate parties in Rusizi and Nyanza districts.
Those arrested include 50 people, who were on Sunday, May 26, found holding a bridal shower in Kadashya Village, Ruganda Cell of Kamembe Sector in Rusizi District.
Police and local leaders found the group, all female, in the bridal shower party in the house of one Janvier Niyikiza located in Kadashya village.
"They were overcrowded in the living room, no face masks and drinking," said Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson for the Western region.
Other 30 violators were arrested the same day at Hotel du Lac located in Mururu Sector, also in Rusizi District where they were found drinking and playing Pool game
CIP Karekezi thanked residents, who reported the violations and facilitated the enforcement of the directives.
The motel has since been closed and all the violators subjected to Covid-19 test at their cost as well as related administrative fines.
Meanwhile, in Nyanza District, Police arrested a group of 73 people who attending a traditional marriage at Kingdom Village motel located in Mukoni Village, Kavumu Cell, Busasamana Sector.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Southern region, said the group was caught on Saturday, May 15, at about 11am.
"Police received information that morning about a traditional marriage ceremony that was underway at Kingdom Village motel, owned by one Emmanuel Rekeraho.
73 people who attended a traditional marriage in Nyanza District
Police and local leaders went to the motel where 73 people were arrested, including the bride and the groom, although Rekeraho, the owner of the motel, managed to flee," said SP Kanamugire.
Celestin Fodi, the master of ceremony at Gusaba event, argued that they were trying to "follow and respect the tradition."
Violators were also subjected to Covid-19 test at their cost as well as administrative fines. Kingdom Village motel was also closed.
Traditional marriage and bridal shower are among the prohibited gatherings under the national directives to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
SP Kanamugire warned against such errant and risky behaviours and thanked members of the public, who are playing a role in the enforcement of the directives and facilitating government efforts against the pandemic.
