Rwanda National Police

In a bid to further raise awareness against crimes, Rwanda National Police (RNP) on Sunday, conducted a community policing sensitization campaign in Ngororero District where over 2000 citizens were equipped with knowledge on prevention and fighting crimes.

The event which was held in Nyange Cell of Ngororero sector, preceded a friendly football match between RNP and Ngororero commercial motorcyclists.

During a townhall anti crime meeting, residents were sensitized on fighting crimes like Gender Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse, human trafficking and introduce them to preventive measures.

The meeting was also attended by 50 members of COTEMO, a motorcyclists’ cooperative operating in Ngororero District.

The District Police Commander of Ngororero, Senior Superintendent Alphonse Zigira, noted that although Rwanda enjoys security and peace today, it is paramount that everybody takes part in building sustainable peace and security.

“We urged you to desist from criminal acts such as Gender Based Violence (GBV), drug abuse and violation of traffic rules and always provide police with information about individuals involved in such acts and timely,” Zigira told the residents.

He particularly appealed to motorcyclists to ride carefully and respect traffic rules to avoid likely accidents resulting from negligence and carelessness.

"These awareness programmes are important to further engage everyone because security should be a concern of us all," said Musabyimana, one of the residents.

He urged them to operate in cooperatives, an effective way to achieve development.

The District vice mayor in charge of economic development, Emmanuel Mpazimpaka, thanked the role police plays to involve all parties to ensure community safety and request that such engagements be held on a frequent basis.

“These awareness programmes are important to further engage everyone because security should be a concern of us all," said Mpazimpaka. He urged residents to operate in cooperatives, an effective way to achieve development.

Vedaste Bagabo, the head of motorcycle cooperatives also thanked RNP for the continued awareness and supporting their development endeavors.

“We pledge to partner with RNP and local authorities to ensure sure that we collectively fight against insecurities in our area,” he said.