Rwanda National Police

Members of Rwanda Youth Volunteers in Crime Prevention Organisation (RYVCPO) in Nyagatare District have vowed to stamp out crimes in their district  by spearheading the community policing awareness and partnership with security organs.

The youth made the commitment on December 29 during a meeting held at Nyagatare district offices. The meeting aimed at reviewing the performance of RYVCPO group in Nyagatare and partnership with other institutions.

Michel Rwiyemaho, the coordinator of youth volunteers in Nyagatare district said the youth members resolved during the meeting to recommit to fight and prevent crimes through extensive awareness and timely information sharing, and further contribute to national development.

The meeting was also attended by the District Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Christian Safari, who advised the volunteers on how best they can contribute to crime prevention.

He urged them to put much emphasis in fighting against drug trafficking and abuse as well as consumption of illicit gin like Kanyanga, which is also common in Nyagatare.

He went on to explain to the youth that crimes like assault, rape and defilement, and gender based violence are crimes that are in most cases ignited by drug abuse.

“You need to know that any person who consumes drugs is not in their rightful state of mind and their actions may be violent. You must always keep in mind that effects of drug abuse leads to addiction that makes one unable to efficiently perform their duties – and in your case, you need to take a lead in fighting them and report drug dealers and abusers,” said SSP Safari.

“Effects of drug abuse are not only limited to the consumers, it is therefore in your favor that you avoid the consumption of these illicit products, and concentrate on your education and businesses.”

Rwiyemaho, on his part, told the meeting that, “We have vowed and we are committed to ensuring security in our neighborhoods through crime prevention and timely reporting of crimes to the police.”

At the end of the meeting, the youth crime preventers agreed to meet every months to review the progress made in crime prevention.

RYVCPO is made up of over 1000 members, who include university and high school students as well as teachers and heads of schools.