The media in Rwanda has continued to play a big role in awareness, crime prevention and behavioral change, which are key in policing and ensuring crime-free communities.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga made the remarks while interacting with journalists working in the Southern Province, in Huye District.
The session, one of the series conducted in different regions, aims at strengthening partnership between the Police and media in awareness and crime prevention. It also looks at the security situation in provinces.
“The security in the Southern Province, like in other parts of the country, is generally calm. However, there are still cases of illegal mining, vandalism of public infrastructure, cattle theft, assault and battery, theft, smuggling and drug trafficking, and child abuse. Strong partnership between the Police and the media will go a long way to protect children from any kinds of abuse, protect the young people from drug abuse and all other criminal activities that affect youth and community development, and cause insecurity,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He added: “People involved in illegal mining, vandalism, robbery and other criminal activities…we live with them in our communities; they are neighbours, friends, and relatives. This is why we all have the responsibility to report them, because today the victim might be your neighbour but tomorrow it could be you.” (End)