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Rwanda National Police (RNP), on Friday, February 12, arrested eleven people in Agatego Cell, Jali Sector of Gasabo District after they were found in the home of a local resident drinking.
The house belong to one Bonfils Bazatsinda, who had turned his home into a bar.
Bazatsinda and his 10 customers were on Saturday morning showed to the media at ULK stadium in Gisozi.
Bars are among businesses that are still closed as part of the national directives to contain the spread of COVID-19.
As of February 12, there were still over 3000 COVID-19 active cases, 16 of them in critical condition while 236 people have so far succumbed to the virus.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that besides operating a prohibited business, Bazatsinda and his clients were arrested at about 8:30pm, time when everyone is supposed to be home.
Movements are prohibited between 7pm and 4am.
Bonfils Bazatsinda, who had turned his home into a bar.
Bazatsinda admitted to violating the national COVID-19 prevention guidelines.
"Security personnel came home at about 8:30pm and found us socializing and drinking beer. Most of the clients found in my house are neighbours and I have to admit that I have been operating this bar from home for a while now where I was also selling roasted meat," Bazatsinda narrated.
Among his clients is one Vivine Uwizeye from Gatenga in Kicukiro District who was arrested together with his driver shortly after leaving Bazatsinda's home as they headed back to Gatenga.
Both Uwizeye and his driver were at the time drunk.
CP Kabera thanked area residents, who called the Police to report the violations.
"We have said it again and again since this pandemic was reported in Rwanda that bars are closed and so are social gatherings and visits, which are prohibited.
It is unfortunate that people like Bazatsinda continue to flout these directives and expose their families and other people to dangers of getting infected with COVID-19," said CP Kabera.
He urged all residents of Rwanda to follow the directives warning that anyone caught in any related violations will be arrested and penalised accordingly.
Vivine Uwizeye, who was arrested together with his driver.
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