Rwanda National Police

Separate Police operations conducted on Sunday in City of Kigali arrested 28 people, who had turned their shops and homes into bars, which is against the government directives on preventing the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Those arrested also include people, who were either found drinking in these shops or holding social gatherings like drinking and watching movies in homes. 

They were arrested in Kimironko, Kibagabaga, Kicukiro and Kinyinya.

Also arrested is a village chief for Nyirabwana in Kibagabaga, who had invited friends to his home, where they were found drinking.

One of the suspects told the media at Remera Metropolitan, that he had invited seven friends and were at the time drinking and dancing.

“We were partying and the music was loud. We knew about the directives but thought that since we live in the same neighbourhood, it was okay. Now we know that we are here at the Police station for a reason; we violated the rules for this period; we didn't do the right thing,” he said.

Another suspect, Jean d'Amour Niyonegamiye said he had visited a friend where three people were found drunk.

To Beatrice Niyonshuti, she regretted inviting people in her shop to drink. At least seven people were arrested in her shop.

Uwishema Bahizi, who was arrested in Kicukiro, said that he had invited six friends to his house, where they were caught.

“We live in the same neighbourhood, and we had created a WhatsApp group to help us communicate and invite each other in case one of us had organized any social event in this period,” said Bahizi.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera warned of continuous operations to arrest anyone, who disregards and violates the instructions meant to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

“We commend the ownership and high spirit of members of the public, who report such violations in their communities, which facilitates enforcement,” CP Kabera said.

“When you buy your drinks, go home and take it from your house, don't invite a friend or a neighbor, because that’s prohibited and anyone found in such violations will be arrested. This also goes to owners of shops selling foodstuffs and other basic needs, who turn them into bars,” he warned.

In this period, bars are closed; visits and social gatherings are prohibited and so are unnecessary movements.