Rwanda National Police

The District Police Commander of Karongi, Supt. Emmanuel Karuranga has asked the residents to always share information on unlawful and criminal acts in real time saying that it’s an effective community policing for quick response to arrest suspects or recover stolen items.

The DPC made the call on January 9, in Gishyita Sector where he addressed the residents on community policing and crime prevention in particular.

Supt. Karuranga told the residents that security threats are conducted within communities especially by people residing in the vicinity or using it as hideouts.

“Some of these people like drug dealers are known by you; they sleep and conduct their criminal businesses in your rental houses or sometimes in their own houses, and they are your neighbours. It’s no longer the duty of security organs alone; it’s the responsibility of every to ensure their security by reporting all sorts of lawlessness you witness or suspect,” Supt. Karuranga said.

He observed that significant efforts have been made in establishing legal and institutional mechanisms to address crime including empowering every Rwandan to be eyes and ears of security, and to use the existing avenues to report criminals.

“We need to identify and share information on drug dealers such as traffickers, local retails and those operating illegal distilleries or selling illicit brew,” he said.

This, he noted, will reinforce Rwanda National Police (RNP) efforts to break chains of supply.

He gave them various communications channels through which they can promptly report crimes.

These include 3512 for Anti-GBV; 3029 for Isange One Stop Centre; 116 Child-Help-Line; 112 emergency; 111 for Fire and Rescue Brigade; 113 (Road Traffic Issues); 110 Marine; 997 for Anti-Corruption; and 3511 (complaint against police officer).

Saiba Gashanana, the executive secretary of Gishyita sector appealed to cell and village leaders to network with their people and record new entrants in their localities for easy identification when they are suspected in a crime.

He called for vigilance against criminality by playing a role to ensure effectiveness of community night patrols and enhance neighborhood.