Rwanda National Police

Gakenke District, on May 13, launched a week-long exercise to sensitize area residents on crime prevention and poverty eradication.

The exercise is in line with the outstanding partnership between Rwanda National Police and Gakenke following the signing of the agreement to jointly engage in various development activities including fighting and preventing crimes and supporting poverty eradication programmes.

During the course of the week, there will be awareness activities targeting the fight against drug abuse and domestic violence, among others.

There will also be a training of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) in crime prevention.

The District Police Commander, Senior Superintendent Gilbert Ruhorahoza said over 1000 members of CPCs from all the 19 sector will benefit from this training which intends to give them more skills in community policing.

There will also be other community activities locally known as umuganda to rehabilitate roads and clear bushes.

During the launch of the exercise held at the district headquarters, Mayor Deogratias Nzamwita urged residents to stand up against anything that can destabilize the peace and security they are currently enjoying.

He appealed to them to partner with Police and other security organs by providing timely information on people involved in criminal activities like drug abuse.

He also challenged CPCs and the public in general to utilize the available opportunities to engage in income generating activities adding that poverty is also a form of insecurity.