People surround the counter asking for beers during a party. Rwanda
police has issued a warning against irresponsible drinking and crime
during the festive season. Photo/Cyril Ndegeya
Nation Media Group
By Edmund Kagire Rwanda Today
In Summary
- Police Spokesperson Damas Gatare said it is hoped that “people enjoy their holidays happily and safely during this season” but pointed out that crime and accidents could double.
- Police says there was a decline of crime in 2013 compared to 2012 thanks to a strong partnership realised between members of the public and the law enforcers.
Police has cautioned Rwandans against excessive
drinking and partying during the festive season, warning that chances of
crime and accidents are likely to go up as people overindulge in
festivities.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) issued the warning
ahead of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, urging people to
exercise caution.
Police Spokesperson Damas Gatare said it is hoped
that “people enjoy their holidays happily and safely during this season”
but pointed out that crime and accidents could double.
Safety assured
“It has been observed that during the festive
season there is an increase in criminal activities and road accidents
caused by drink-driving, excessive use of alcohol, drug and substance
abuse and domestic violence,” said ACP Gatare. “The Rwanda National
Police will not tolerate this behaviour.”
He however assured Rwandans and foreigners celebrating the holidays in Rwanda that their safety will be ensured.
According to police, 2013 saw a general decline in road accidents.
Last year, 943 accidents were recorded, compared
with 507 cases the previous year. Rwanda also registered fewer fatal
accidents than any other country in the region, says a report that will
be released next week.
Police also says there was a decline of crime in
2013 compared to 2012 thanks to a strong partnership realised between
members of the public and the law enforcers.
“This partnership resulted in crime reduction by
2.1 per cent in this last quarter alone and a reduction of road
traffic-related offences by 34.9 per cent in the same period compared
with the last quarter of the 2012/2013,” he said.
The most common crimes reported included assault,
theft, defilement/rape and drug abuse, which were a result of domestic
conflicts, drug abuse and drunkenness, he added.
Traffic offences were caused by speeding, drunkenness, violating traffic lights and not respecting zebra crossings.
The senior official revealed that police had
started an initiative to reduce crime. Various policing measures were
initiated, such as sensitisation in schools, drug abuse campaigns and
reinforcing the community policing programmes, he said.
Police also decentralised Motor Vehicle Inspection
Centres (MIC) and established various preventive measures, such as the
road safety campaigns, which were the main causes of the decrease of
traffic offences.
As the year winds up, police says more Rwandans could be exposed to disasters and the final rains of the season pound.
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