Rwanda National Police

The Dstrict Police Commander (DPC) of Gakenke, Chief Inspector of Police ( CIP) Jean Berchmas Dusengimana urged residents  to report crime on time noting that delays in doing so provides loopholes that criminals seize.

He also said that delays in reporting criminals affects investigations and timely justice.

The DPC made the call on October 21 while addressing about 3000 residents of Gakenke, Nemba and Gashenyi sectors.

The outreach programme also included a community fitness exercise that included jogging and other healthy exercises that brought together the residents and the police.

“We are here to work with you to make our communities and the country safe and secure at all times; make the security in your localities your responsibility,” CIP Dusengimana said.

He observed that one of the challenges also include victims, who take long to report a crime.

The DPC noted that reporting a crime days after can also make it difficult to get conclusive evidence in some cases.

He cited defilement as one of the high impact crime that should be reported, but added that abuse of illicit drugs also affects the youth and diverts them from their education and development dreams.

The vice mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Catherine Uwimana lauded the police response to criminality, and urged residents close that gap by reporting suspects.

“We need to strengthen the collaboration as local authorities, security organs and residents to leave no room for criminals to roam and conduct their unlawful activities,” the vice mayor said.

She thanked the police for taking their time to organize the fitness and anti-crime awareness exercise to ensure a healthy living.

She further warned those who deal in narcotic drugs, and making illicit brew.

Uwimana also reiterated the need to work with law enforcement agencies to enhance security in the community and desist from covering up criminals such as defilers.