Rwanda National Police

The following are the highlights of the Rwanda National Police major activities conducted in the past week

Rwanda joins world against drug abuse

On June 26, Rwanda joined the rest of the world on Friday to mark the international day against 'Drug Abuse and trafficking,' to raise awareness against the vice said to be still high and continue to pose a health danger to humanity especially the youth.

The day was set aside by the UN General Assembly in December 1987 as an expression of its determination and call to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse.

This year's international day against drug abuse and trafficking was held under the theme: "Let's develop our lives, our communities, our identity without drugs."

Activities to raise awareness against the vice in Rwanda were held in different parts of the country where various messages from leaders and former drug addicts were delivered to woe all Rwandans to stand up against use and trade of illicit drugs.

In Nyagatare, the event also included the destruction of illicit drugs worth over Rwf14.4 million, which were seized in different parts of the district in the last one month. The destroyed drugs include 640 liters of kanyanga and 316 cartons of chief Waragi, both banned gin in Rwanda, 17 kilogrammes of cannabis and one tone of a local plant called kabaruka.

Kabaruka, a raw material used in the manufacture of lotion and perfume, is in most cases intercepted while being trafficked out of the country.

In Kigali where thousands of youth and residents converged at the Integrated Polytechnic Regional Centre (IPRC) in Kicukiro District, where the official event at the national level was held, James Kamanzi, the Deputy Director General of Rwanda Biomedical Centre, noted that fighting the scourge remains among the core plans of the centre.

"Rwanda has stood up to fighting drug abuse because it is still a serious threat to young Rwandans. We can't sit and relax looking at how the vice is affecting the development of youngsters and this fight should be the responsibility of every citizen," Kamanzi said.

Rwanda has initiated measures including formulation of laws to penalize dealers and users.

Rwanda National Police, which is at the heart of implementing laws and policies against drug abuse, is also actively involved in carrying out countrywide awareness programmes on dangers associated with illicit drugs.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Cyprien Gatete, Commissioner for Reserve Force in RNP, while speaking in Kicukiro, said that most of the common illicit drugs in Rwanda like cannabis and gin, are sneaked into Rwanda through illegal borders.

"We are seeing a positive response from the public who work with Police on daily basis by providing information on dealers," said CP Gatete.

Police officers complete course in "Post Bomb Blast" investigations

A high level training on “Post Bomb Blast” investigation ended on June 26 at Rwanda National Police (RNP) headquarters in Kacyiru, as the force continues to bolster its ranks with skills and knowledge relevant in overcoming modern crimes.

The week-long training was conducted by experts from the USA Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and included twenty participants attached to the RNP Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The training activities involved intensive instructions on explosive materials, evidence collection at a blast crime scene, bombing investigations, averting terror threat cases, crime scene mapping and processing, among others.

It was officially closed by Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Butera, the Commissioner for Operations, who urged the participants to use their enhanced skills and knowledge professionally to strengthen RNP’s success in investigating and averting terror attacks.

“RNP has an established framework and collaboration with regional and international bodies to collective fight against the threat of terrorism," CP Butera said.

"As participants in this concluded training, you should continue working professionally and conduct intelligence-led policing that offers no room for criminals to operate in,” he added.

“RNP will continue to empower its officers in order for them to meet their responsibilities to security and safety and protect Rwanda communities from criminal and extremist violence such as terrorism.”

He also commended FBI for providing highly trained experts and reiterated Rwanda’s partnership with the US in fostering peace and security.

Capacity building especially through training is among the priorities of RNP – and has regularly conducted internal, regional and international command post and Field training exercises aimed at enhancing its efficiency in overcoming terrorism.

UN praise Rwandan peacekeepers for empowering Haitian police

The Police Commissioner for United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Serge Therriault, commended Rwandan police peacekeepers in Haiti for empowering local police and for their exemplary and efficient contribution in the country’s peace building process.

In a letter of appreciation dated June 19, Therriault noted that the Rwanda Formed Police Unit five (RWAFPU5) contingent of 140 officers serving under MINUSTAH have carried out extraordinary work during their time in Haiti, while performing with professionalism, integrity and respect to diversity.

“I would like to take this opportunity to commend RWAFPU5 for your outstanding contribution in supporting the professionalization of the Haitian National Police during your deployment in Haiti. We congratulate you for the example that you have set and for having shared with us your knowledge, experience, skills and vision,” he said.

“The contingent has provided much needed medical attention to the UN and non UN Personnel and has also demonstrated remarkable generosity through various community work such as providing water supplies to people in need and clearing flooded roads in Jeremie Downtown area,” he further stated in the letter.

 Man arrested over bribery attempt to release suspect

Police in Bugesera District, on June 24 arrested a man who allegedly offered a bribe worth Rwf100, 000 to an officer in an attempt to lure him into wrongfully releasing his colleague, who had been arrested.

Jean Baptiste Ayirwanda was apprehended red-handed in Kamabuye Sector, after the officer informed his workmates of the suspect's ‎unlawful move.

Ayirwanda's colleague, whom he was trying to save illegally, had been arrested in connection with narcotic drugs related crimes, and is said to be a member of a group of drug dealers believed to operating in the district.

Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Province explained that Ayirwanda contacted the officer on his mobile telephone, promising to offer him Rwf100,000 if he released his colleague.

“The officer agreed to meet the suspect, but had informed his superiors about the alleged attempt to offer him a bribe. Upon meeting, the suspect offered the bribe and was arrested red-handed in the act,” IP Kayigi said.

“Corruption and bribery are taboo in Rwanda and Police officers are professional and aware of the ill-effects that accepting bribes can cause to them and even the impact it has in the country."

He reminded residents to seek for public services through the right channels instead of opting to such "unacceptable and unlawful" ideas.

Impostor lawyer arrested in Kayonza

Police in Kayonza District, on June 23, arrested a suspected impostor who guised as a lawyer to participate in court proceedings illegally.

Emmanuel Hategekimana was arrested during a session at Rukara Primary Court, where he had represented the Kayonza Seventh Day Adventist Church in a civil case.

Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said that upon request by the court to verify his authenticity as a lawyer, Hategekimana could not present any documents – which led to his immediate arrest.

“The suspect did not have documents indicating that he is a lawyer or that he belongs to the Bar Association – and this led to his immediate arrest. Such impersonation acts contribute to injustice and lawlessness,” IP Kayigi said.

Inspector Kayigi warned against such acts and urged the public to provide timely reports against any suspicious individuals who undermine offices of authority through impersonation in order to illegally access or offer services.

Burera residents called to fight against GBV

Residents of Burera District have been urged to strongly fight against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and other crimes like drug abuse and human trafficking.

The message was delivered by Rwanda National Police on June 24 during the tour of the Mobile Police Station Vehicle, which provided services to residents of Burera

The vehicle conducted a two-day tour in Ruhunde and Kinyababa Sectors, where hundreds of residents presented their claims and reports to police for investigation.

During the tour, Police conducted sensitization and discussions and called on residents to protect the young generation from the risks of getting involved in drug abuse and the illicit trade of narcotics.

“As responsible and patriotic residents, you should regularly conduct drugs prevention programs and strengthen partnership with law enforcers to apprehend drug dealers and protect the young generation from this scourge,” Superintendent Beline Mukamana, the Director for Anti-Gender-Based Violence and Child Abuse Directorate at RNP said.

The Executive Secretary of Kinyababa Sector, Fabrice Nsabimana commended RNP for increasing its visibility to the public and reminded residents to always partner with them in crime through community policing to overcome crime.

“Partnership with police will advance strategies to address crime and sustain the security we enjoy every day. Therefore, as a community, we should mobilize efforts to collectively prevent crime through the timely sharing of information on any illegal activity that may occur,” he said.

Mentors urged to sensitize students against crimes

Mentors in schools should continuously involve and reach out to their students and sensitize them about their role in fostering community safety, as well as the dangers of getting involved with criminal gangs and activities.

The message was delivered by Rwanda National Police (RNP) on June 23 during a meeting with school administrators from eight schools in Ruhango District.

The meeting which was held in Ruhango Sector also attracted police officers operating in the region and district leaders - and was presided over by the Vice Mayor in charge of Social Affairs, Jolie Gérmaine Mugeni, who commended RNP for its continuous partnership in crime prevention.

Mugeni, commended school administrators for their fruitful cooperation with RNP, and urged them to closely work with local leaders in matters related to public safety and security.

“It is the responsibility of each member of society to maintain public safety – but it is the role of school administrators to promote crime prevention throughout their school premises. Each administrator should indicate a proactive stance on crime prevention and be exemplary to the students,” she said.

“You should always conduct awareness programs and debates to encourage students to become active in securing their campuses against criminal gangs and against all forms of criminality.”

In his remarks, the District Police Commander of Ruhango, Superintendent Richard Rubagumya, told the administrators to remind students of their role to adhere to the rule of law whether at school or in their home communities, as well as be exemplary to their communities.

Gatsibo leaders urged to strengthen partnership in crime prevention

In a meeting with local leaders in Gatsibo on June 22, the district mayor Richard Gasana urged them to always be available to the needs of residents and disseminate timely information, in order to overcome crime and lawlessness in society.

The 69 Cell executive secretaries were also reminded to embrace community policing initiatives and work with Rwanda National Police (RNP) in promoting security and safety in their communities.

The meeting also discuss about fostering cooperation in the fight against crimes especially gender-based violence and drug abuse which are common.

Man arrested for defrauding people with fake mercury

A man in Nyaruguru District was arrested on June 22 for allegedly defrauding people selling them fake mercury.

The suspect, Emmanuel Nyendahakunzwe, 41, was apprehended when one of the victims, whom he conned Rwf3.5 million, reported to police that he had been sold fake substances, after paying for what he thought was genuine mercury.

Article 318 of the penal code states that anyone who obtains the property of another person by fraud or by intentionally using false names or qualities, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.