Rwanda National Police

Police has appealed to church and business leaders to embrace community policing by working closely with security organs in order to prevent crime and detect criminals.

The call was made on December 16, by the Southern Regional Police Commander (RPC), Chief Superintendent Simon Peter Mukama, who met church leaders, owners of hotels and bars and public transport agents in Muhanga District and engaged in a discussion about the importance of partnering with Police.

“Rwanda is a safe and secure country where people can exercise their freedoms by running businesses and worship without any kind of threat. We should make sure that the peace we enjoy today can last sustainably and that is through partnership, where anyone can provide timely information about any group or individual that may seek to destabilize the peace of others,” CSP Mukama told the participants.

“Keeping law and order is the work of Police but the citizens also have a role to play. Our doors are open for communication, because we understand the value of safety.”

He urged public transporters to respect road rules and avoid careless driving which leads to accidents that claim lives and destroys properties.

“Road accidents are avoidable. Follow every road rule; do not over-speed or speak on phone while driving; simply abide by road rules and regulations and you will spare lives and properties,” he said.

He also called on the community to fight the scourge of drug abuse, especially among the youth, which has negative consequences on their lives and to their community and families.

“Drugs weaken one's thinking capacity. The addicted person usually resorts to crimes like assault, rape, theft, and defilement. So they should be avoided at all costs. The elderly should always advise the young ones out of this habit,” he said.

He also urged residents to enjoy the festive period responsibly without undermining the freedoms of their neighbors.

The Vice Mayor in charge of Economic Affair in Muhanga, François Uhagaze, lauded Police for the advice and urged residents to adhere to community policing.

He also called on the residents to tighten their night patrols as a way to ensure and reinforce security in the District.