Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned the general public against violating government directives on the prevention of Coronavirus spread.
The warning follows separate cases where people were found violating the orders and engaged in prohibited businesses as well as unnecessary movements.
On Friday, 12 people were arrested in Mururu Sector of Rusizi District after they turned violent when local authorities told them to go home.
“Local leaders were enforcing the government instructions when they found 12 people in the morning, loitering in the trading centre and told them to go to their respective homes,” CP John Bosco Kabera, RNP spokesperson, said.
He added: “The group declined to heed to orders from the local leaders, instead turned violent and assaulted the cell executive secretary and DASSO personnel. Police was called in and all the individuals were taken into custody.”
He further disclosed that two other people were arrested in Ngororero District after they were found selling illicit brew.
“Similar operations on enforcement of the government directives conducted in Ngoma, Musanze, Nyarugenge, Gasabo and Kicukiro districts also found people in unnecessary movements, people who had turned their homes into bars, those who lie that they are going for essential services like medical and to buy foodstuffs,” CP Kabera said.
He warned that vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles of individuals found violating the orders will be impounded.
“Varied appropriate action is taken against such errant individuals including administrave and traffic penalties while those that are criminal in nature are handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau for further management.”
CP Kabera reminded the general public of the importance of the lockdown for everyone’s safety… not to be infected with coronavirus or to infect others.
He urged them to heed the safety and preventive measures; stay home, avoid unnecessary movements, practice social distance when going for essential service and to partner in the implementation of the directives through reporting those who violate them putting people’s lives at risk.
Rwanda National Police is currently engaged in awareness activities in trading centres, markets and other places, educating people on the directives and urging them to wash hands regularly, avoiding unnecessary movements including sports activities such as jogging beyond their gates, and to practice social distancing in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. (End)