At least 175 people were arrested Saturday January 29, at a home in Gakoma Village, Kigeme Cell, Gasaka Sector in Nyamagabe District where they were congregating contrary to the national directives against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Police and local authorities found them congregating at the home of one Marie Rose Nyirahuku, at about 2pm.
All the violators were tested for Covid-19 test, with two of them turning positive.
The Southern region Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Theobald Kanamugire said that Police was tipped off by some concerned local residents.
“Residents in Kigeme reported a big group of people, who were congregating at the home of Nyirahuku and making loud noise. An operation was swiftly conducted and they were found overcrowded praying and without face masks,” said SP Kanamugire.
“Out of the 175 violators, who came from different sectors, two tested positive, which raises more concerns about the likely spread among other congregators.
Two people have not taken the Covid-19 jabs while other six had taken only one shot,” he added.
Religious services are only allowed in places of worship that were authorized to resume after fulfilling the required safety measures, but only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to attend the services.
SP Kanamugire thanked residents, who reported the violations and warned those, who continue to disregard the national efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19 but rather spread it.
The violators were also educated on Covid-19 prevention health measures, tested at own cost, and handed administrative fines while others were vaccinated.(End)