Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has urged the public to desist from any form of violent conduct that may undermine security in the country and instead report any grievances to authorities.

The call was made by Police Spokesperson for Western Province, Inspector of Police Theobald Kanamugire, following an incident on April 19 in Karongi District, Gashari Sector, Tongati Cell, where a man allegedly assaulted his 61 year old mother with a machete after an argument.

The suspect, 27 year old Anastase Uwimana, was immediately arrested and is held at Gashasri Police Station, while the victim, who was seriously injured on the head, was rushed to Mwendo Health Centre for treatment.

"The suspect is believed to have been drunk when he assaulted his mother after an argument. According to residents who alerted Police about the incident, it is not the first time that the two had fought," IP Kanamugire said.

"Taking matters of the law into ones hand is itself an illegal and criminal act and should not be tolerated. If there is an argument or disagreement of any sort, the best way to handle it is to involve local leaders, Police, or other authorities."

He urged community leaders to engage residents in sensitization campaigns aimed at finding solutions to persistent problems, and also called on residents to continue collaborating with Police in crime prevention through community policing.

"Communities should reach out to the youth and teach them about the dangers involved in abusing alcohol and drugs, while at the same time, the elderly should conduct themselves in a manner that is exemplary by upholding the law and acting as mediators to solve personal disagreements," he added.

Main crimes affecting communities, such as gender-based violence crimes, are usually fueled by drunkenness and drug abuse.

Police promotes community policing through which the public voluntarily shares information with officers to prevent crimes, arrest culprits or identify victims in need of help.