Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has reminded the public to watch out for likely explosives and to immediately alert authorities of any suspicious objects to avoid likely explosion and loss of lives.

These explosives are usually rusty and old, and are mainly found by communities living in former barracks areas or areas that experienced warfare during the liberation struggle.

In the few cases that they have been found, residents have been quick to report to Police whenever such dangerous explosives have been found.

In the latest incident, on May 25, in Rwezamenyo Sector of Nyarugenge district, a resident Damascene Hagenimana, 33, found a rusted grenade in his land while he was digging.

Similarly in Rwaza Sector, Musanze District, residents were digging when they discovered a grenade.

The incidents were reported to Police and the areas were cordoned off before the grenades could cause any damage.

Nyarugenge District Police Commander Senior Superintendent of Police Jean Bosco Mudacumura, commended the residents for acting responsibly to report to police and urged the general public to avoid touching any suspicious objects before they are verified by concerned experts.

“When anyone finds a suspicious object, walk away from them and do not let children play in that area. Immediately report because police has the capacity to safely handle such objects,” he said.

Police also reminded the public that there is no criminal liability to any person who surrenders a weapon voluntarily – and therefore, urged those who are still possessing firearms and explosives illegally, or have information of their whereabouts, to voluntarily hand them to security organs or local authorities.

Article 671 of the penal code states that any person who illegally possesses, lends or gives an arm, or falsifies its identification marks, is liable to a term of imprisonment of six months to one year and a fine of Rwf 300, 000 to Rwf 3 million.

Article 675, states, any person, who provides false information or refuses to provide information with the aim of obtaining a license for possession or carriage of a firearm, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six months  to one year and a fine of Rwf 100, 000 to Rwf 1 million or one of these penalties.