Fifteen arrested over violation of COVID-19 directives

Kigali: Fifteen people were paraded to the media at Remera Metropolitan after they were arrested in the City of Kigali for violating the directives set to curb the spread of Coronavirus.

The paraded suspects include two driving school instructors, who were arrested alongside their two students, and eleven others, who violated the curfew and undermined Police orders.

Papias Nyandwi, a motorcyclist and one of the suspects, regretted disobeying Police officers and riding home instead of going where he was ordered to go.

Sandrine Uwase, 25, a driving student said she was tricked that driving schools are authorized to operate.

Callixte Ndababonye, 36, a driving school instructor admitted that he intentionally misguided his students so as to get money.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera advised the public to comply with the directives and obey the police. 

“These violators are in two groups; those, who were conducting driving lessons and others who violated the curfew and disregarded orders given to them by Police officers, who were on duty enforcing the directives,” CP Kabera said.

He added, “We want all people to fully comply with all the outlined instructions, which are clear to everyone to avoid all risks; one person can be the source for COVID-19 to many people.

Driving lessons in this period can also spread the virus; exchanging the wheel and using the same vehicle is risky and one can infect the other in the process.”

“Some people allege that they were not informed while others claim to have been misinformed. Let me remind everyone that you have a right to seek further clarification from concerned people or authorities before you engage in a certain activities.

For instance, you can call the traffic police for clarification instead of relying on hearsay and undermining police officers on duty. There will be no excuse as I didn’t know when you are arrested,” he warned.

The spokesperson thanked members of the public, who reported the unlawful actions and called for maximum compliance and collaboration.

He warned that “whoever breaches the directives will be punished accordingly.” . (End)