Rwanda National Police

With Rwandans counting hours to usher in the New Year, Rwanda National Police (RNP) has appealed to the general public to avoid and report anything that can affect safe celebrations and the wellbeing of the people.

RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera emphasized “safety first and careful celebrations” to ensure that no life or property is lost.

He noted that “celebrations should be in compliance with the law” and “not at the expense of other people’s beliefs and rights.”

“A few hours and we ring in the New Year, so here are some reminders: Don’t drink and drive, don’t over-speed, avoid distractions on the road, avoid noise pollution, don’t leave your house or children unattended, do not serve or sell alcoholic beverages to minors,” CP Kabera.

ALSO READ: No accident caused by festivities, says CP Mujiji

Article 27 of law that protects children states that, any person who offers a child alcoholic beverages or tobacco, commits an offense.

A person, who sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to a child, causes or encourages a child to drink alcoholic beverages, to smoke or to go to bars commits an offence. Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three months but less than six months and a fine of between Rwf100, 000 and Rwf200, 000.

In article 32, a parent, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child who, without reasonable cause, neglects any of his/her obligations provided by law to the extent that the health, the security and the living conditions of the child are seriously jeopardized or the child indulges in vagrancy is also liable to community services for a period one month.

ALSO READ: Police urges public to adhere to weather advisory

The law No. 48/2018 of 13/08/2018 on environment in its article 53, states that; “Without prejudice to the provisions of the law determining offences and penalties in general, any person who causes noise pollution is liable to an administrative fine of Rwf500, 000.”

Noise pollution, according to National Noise Pollution Guidelines, is determined when sound goes beyond 80 decibel (db). Decibel is the unit through which noise is measured and sound becomes “physically painful” when it goes beyond 80db.

The general public is also reminded to call the Police in case of an emergency or crime; 112-Emergency, traffic Accidents 113, ambulance services 912, fire and rescue brigade 111, marine 110, complaints against a police officer 3511, and other RNP communication channels such as 0788311155.