Rwanda National Police

About 120 members of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) operating in Rwezamenyo Sector of Nyarugenge District met with police officers and local leaders on November 18 to discuss ways to advance their partnership in overcoming all sorts of crime in their neighborhoods.

During the meeting, CPCs members agreed to increase their collaboration with law enforcers in helping to identify suspects and society problems that are likely to undermine their neighborhoods safety.

The District Community Liaison Officer of Nyarugenge, Inspector of Police (IP) Jean Bosco Segatare, commended their efforts in ensuring the peaceful coexistence of residents.

He reminded them to double their efforts in overcoming crimes like gender-based-violence and drug abuse which are still common in communities. 

“Let us make it our sole motive to end abuse and manufacture of illicit drug and local brews,because such substances destroy families ." said IP Segatare.

 "Women and children who are abused are usually afraid to report but as leaders, we should stay close to them and help them whenever are abused to overcome and breaking the silence,” he said.

"You should make sure that the youth in your vicinity are sensitized about the dangers associated with human trafficking. They should not listen to cunning strangers who promise them heaven on earth, but instead, urge them to study hard and seek for existing opportunities to improve their lives and contribute to national development.”

 IP Segatare challenged the CPCs to tighten night patrols and timely reporting of any incident or identified security challenge.

“Your work is of value to security. Watch out for issues of GBV, drug abuse and human trafficking, as well as sensitize and teach the residents about their role in promoting security through community policing,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of Rwezamenyo Sector, Dieudonné  Mutarugera amplified the need for partnership in crime prevention, noting that community policing has proved the best tool that unites all security entities and the public to ensure safety and security.

“We should endeavor to cooperate with Police and provide them with timely and credible information that will help to combat crimes,” said Mutarugera. 

Thomas Nzabamwita, a member of Community Policing Committee in Rwezamenyo, said: “It is always better to prevent crime before it happens – and we can act as the eyes of society by reporting suspicious activities so that police and other law enforcing agencies can intervene in time.”