Rwanda National Police

Community Policing Committees (CPCs) have been urged to strengthen their roles in crime prevention rather than dealing with the consequences, and strengthen partnership with Rwanda National Police (RNP) to overcome lawlessness.

The call was made by the Mayor of Nyabihu, Antoinette Mukandayisenga while meeting about 190 CPCs from Muringa Sector.

Mukandayisenga urged them to put much focus on crime prevention by working with the local communities to identify and report people they suspect to be engaged in unlawful acts.

“We are still facing challenges related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, gender-based violence and child abuse, including teenage pregnancies; these are crimes that still threaten the security and development of young people and destroying families,” Mukandayisenga said, urging them to report drug dealers and families facing domestic conflicts.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Mucyo Rukundo, the District Political and Civic Education Officer (DPCEO) for Nyabihu emphasized the need for more efforts in fighting and preventing high impact crimes like drugs, GBV and child-related crimes.

“Detecting, fighting and preventing a crime depend on strong collaboration, cooperation and real time information sharing between the people, leaders and security organs. We want a strong partnership to have a crime-free society,” CIP Mucyo reiterated.

He added that not involving and working with the residents creates a gap which criminals like thieves and drug dealer take advantage of to threaten the wellbeing of the people.

“Identify possible criminals, analyze and report all suspicious activities that may cause insecurity,” CIP Mucyo emphasized.

He observed that security is a key pillar in fostering national and individual development, which they should strive for.