Rwanda National Police

Police and commercial motorcyclists in Bugesera District, over the weekend, held a meeting and discussed matters related to community policing and crime prevention in particular. The meeting that brought about 200 motorcyclists also discussed on road safety standards and the latter’s responsibility in preventing road accidents.

The District Police Commander (DPC) of Bugesera, Superintendent of Police (SP) Anastase Bahire, while speaking to motorcyclists, reminded them of their community policing duty.

“Fighting crime like drug dealers, theft, gender based violence, child abuse and human trafficking is a collective responsibility. Where you live or work, always be vigilant, don’t abet crime… some of you transport drug dealers, substances and thieves,” Supt. Bahire said, cautioning them against such criminal tendencies.

The DPC also urged them to mind their safety and the lives of other people by riding responsibly to prevent accidents.

Majority 70 percent of road accidents are either caused or involve motorcyclists, according to reports.

Magellan Sebatware, the district director of Governance, reminded the motorcyclists that security and development are inseparable, adding that their “transport business should facilitate the people rather than affecting their wellbeing.”

Jean Damascene Harerimana, the president of Ikizere, a cooperative of motorcyclists in Bugesera, urged members to be community policing agents, but pledged that they will also take internal measures against errant members.