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Kinyarwanda
Residents of Gatsibo District queued up to benefit from the Mobile Police station Vehicle service, which was launched by Rwanda National Police (RNP) to extend police services to residents residing far away from police posts.
The mobile service is reserved for citizens residing or working in places located far away from police stations, with a mobile vehicle tracking residents who wish to file complaints or report injustices.
"The moment I heard that the vehicle was in our area, I immediately rushed there to report to police about an assault case I faced. I am very grateful to Police because my case has been listened to and investigations have began," John Gashumba, a resident said.
He is one of the over 90 residents whose complaints were recorded at a vehicle that was packed in Ntama Center, Rwimbogo Sector.
The Director of Media at Rwanda National Police, Senior Supt. Willy Marcel Higiro said most complaints made ranged between land wrangles, assault and family disputes.
“The Police Mobile Station Vehicle enables police services to reach the furthest residents who are not close to our or other national services. We have so far gone to many places and the attendance is overwhelming,” he said.
“Police considers the nature of complaints presented and sorts them out according to the relevant institutions. We are partnering with the ministries of Justice, and Local Government and Social Affairs so that all the complaints can receive adequate attention.”
The service was first rolled out in Bugesera District and since then, the vehicles have made several trips that have served hundreds of citizens in the countryside.
RNP has three mobile station vehicles that cover areas seen to be in need of the service with plans to increase the number of vehicles so as to traverse the whole country in the near future.
Officials from the Ministry of Justice travel alongside Police officers whenever the vehicles head out for outreach operations, and provide advice and assistance to those in need.
Another service that the vehicles are providing is education and sensitisation of residents on matters pertaining their rights and freedoms and where to report specific complaints they may have.
