Rwanda National Police

Police in Musanze District has urged commercial motorcyclists operating in the district to be more vigilant in fighting and reporting those involved in trafficking of drugs and smuggling goods from neighbouring countries bordering the district.

The call was made on July 19 during a meeting that drew over 1200 taxi-moto operators who are under COOTAMONO UBUMWE cooperative.

During the meeting, police hailed the existing cooperation with motorcyclists in prevention and reporting of crimes, and presented major achievements made in ensuring public safety and the precise role of motorcyclists.

The Executive Secretary of Musanze District Pierre Claver Bagirishya told motorists that; “You have been exemplary in running and effective and well organized business, we appeal to you to keep that up.”

The District Community Liasion Officer (DCLO) Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Viateur Ntiyamira also echoed the same message but went on to urge motorists to up their efforts in crime prevention

“Security matters are not only the responsibility of Police and other security organs, it's the duty of everyone. When you see someone committing a crime or planning to commit one, always report them, that way you will have played your part in fighting and preventing crime, we have to work together as a team,” the DCLO reminded motorcyclists.

CIP Ntiyamira also pointed out that; “Rwanda National Police and the public recognize and highly appreciate the great job you do especially in the transport sector. The trust we have in you should not be taken lightly...We encourage you to aim for more but in a safe and secure manner.”

Motorists were also urged to always abide by traffic rules at all times and have all the required operational gear like helmets, reflector jackets and licenses whenever they are on the road.

“You are expected to use the road to the required standard bearing in mind that there are other people using the same public infrastructure. It is also in your own safety to respect traffic rules and regulations. You are entitled and under similar road safety measures like other road users, so you advised not to assume that road signs do not apply to you,” said the DCLO.

The head of COOTAMONO UBUMWE Cooperative Aaron Rukundo told his colleagues in the industry that carelessness, bad maneuvers, and speeding by motorcyclists in particular, are some of the causes of fatal road accidents.

“Security and safety is the reason why we are able to operate our business smoothly, and we have to lead the front by preserving it,” said Rukundo.

He added on that; “We have recommitted that, all the time we come across someone violating the law we will not hesitate to inform the police … this is the commitment that we have all made, we have to champion this fight against crimes in our areas.”