English
Kinyarwanda
Rwanda National Police (RNP) has hailed members of the public and the significant impact local night patrols play in crime detection and prevention through timely information sharing.
The appreciation follows a Friday night foiled armed robbery in Nyabisindu, Remera Sector in Gasabo district.
Police Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Celestin Twahirwa said four men armed with an SMG raided a bar in Migina where they stole several items including a television set and about Rwf45,000 on a gun point.
Three people have since been arrested.
He identified the suspects as Gerald Mbanzamihigo who was armed with an AK47, Onesphore Mugabarigira, Murinzi Gasore and a certain Pare who is still on the run.
"The suspects raided the bar at around 2:00 am but neighbors and local night patrols intervened immediately as the suspects attempted to flee from the scene apprehending Mbanzamihigo and Mugabarigira," ACP Twahirwa said.
"Gasore was arrested hours later while Pare is still on the run, also other 6 suspected to have aided the robbers including the driver were arrested and all items revered.
"As members of night patrols tussled Mbanzamihigo trying to disarm him; in the process of the scuffle a bullet discharged from the gun but Police arrived at the scene immediately and took charge"
Police also intercepted a Toyota carina RAC 659V that the suspects used in the attempted robbery.
The suspects are currently held at Remera Police station as investigations continue.
“Local night patrols and Community Policing Committee are very instrumental in crime prevention. In this particular case, they managed to intercept the thieves held them and alerted police,” said the Police Spokesperson.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Mbanzamihigo, a deserter was also holding the gun for a very long time as investigations continue to establish the origin of the gun.
“The public is vibrantly involved in crime prevention through reporting offenders to security organs; this is due to strong partnership with all categories of people including night patrols, Community Policing Committees, the youth volunteers, the business community, opinion and local leaders. Where there is partnership criminals are weakened and this is evident in this among other many cases where residents work with the police to detect, prevent crimes and arrest suspected criminals,” ACP Twahirwa said.
