Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police has appealed to communities to be more cautious and look after their children when they swim or use boats in the dark without any protection like life jackets.

This follows incidents in Kamonyi District, Rugarika Sector, where 23 people drowned and 11 were rescued  when a small boat they were in capsized while trying to cross towards Mageragera market.

Police Spokesman for the Central region, Supt. Modeste Mbabazi, said that investigations are ongoing to find out the cause of the accident, and he urged communities around water bodies to be more vigilant by respecting safety procedures while using water transport or other activities like fishing and swimming.

“Those who use boats should be cautious at all time because accidents like these are avoidable. Everyone traveling by boat must wear a life jacket and the pilots must always respect speed limits, avoid overloading and follow water safety procedures,” Supt Mbabazi said.

In a related incidence, in Ruhango District, Kinazi Sector, a 16 year old girl identified as Francois Karangwa lost her life when she drowned in Akanyaru Swamp. Her body was recovered and taken to Ruhango Hospital.

SP Modeste cautioned parents and guardians against the habit of sending children to fetch water in the dark, sometimes from water bodies that are deep.