Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) warns motorists against unlawful transportation of people from City of Kigali and other areas under lockdown, to other parts of the country.

The Cabinet meeting of August 26, prohibits public transport between City of Kigali and other parts of the country.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera reminded motorists to comply with the directive to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

“Although private vehicles are not restricted, they should be used for the intended purposes but not commercial movements in this period to transport people in and out of places that were placed under lockdown or where public transportation is prohibited. The same goes to taxi-moto operators, which can easily be used to smuggle people through remote roads. Anyone caught in these illegal and risky practices will face severe consequences,” CP Kabera warned.

He added: “The person or people you are smuggling out of these isolated places could be infected with COVID-19, and you are facilitating its spread to other parts of the country.”
 
He also added that Kigali, having the most numbers of Coronavirus positive cases, its residents should be more vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel upcountry.

More than two-thirds of active cases were tested from Kigali, which resulted into the temporary closure of two big markets that were hard-hit by the virus, and the temporary prohibition of public transport from Kigali to other provinces, among other directives.

“Coronavirus kills; everyone should keep that in mind. We have already lost 16 people, no one wishes others to succumb to the pandemic, and that starts with individual responsibility by complying with all the directives and safety guidelines,” CP Kabera further explained.

He also noted that other measures including wearing facemasks, wearing fabrics under helmets, washing or sanitizing hands, cashless payment system, social distancing should all be respected.

Among other measures adopted by the cabinet meeting is the extension of the curfew by two hours, from 9pm to 7pm until 5am. Public institutions were also requested to reduce the numbers of people working from the office from 50 percent to 30 percent.

The spokesperson further warned against social gatherings, which are also prohibited in this period.

Last week, 35 people were put in isolation and subjected to COVID-19 testing after they gathered at the hotel for a party dubbed "Les Samedis Sympas," at The Retreat Hotel, worse still, violating all other safety practices including keeping distance and wearing facemask.

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