The media fraternity has been urged to supplement ongoing national efforts to create a crime-free Rwandan society.
The Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga, made the call in Musanze District, while interacting with journalists working in the Northern Province.
The interaction is part of the series of the RNP outreach to meet journalists operating in regions to strengthen the Police-media relations, and to update journalists on the security situation.
Between August and October this year, 339 cases of smuggling were recorded in the Northern region, with the majority 239 cases registered in Burera District.
During the same period, Police also registered 214 cases of drug trafficking, 146 of theft, 85 of assault and battery, 32 cases of defilement and 16 cases of illegal mining.
“The Police will always be here, and so is the media. Although we are the source of news, we also need the media to reach out to all Rwandans and together to build a responsive Rwandan society,” ACP Rutikanga said.
He added that the RNP is always open to provide the media with the information they need.
The RNP, he said, uses various communication channels such as social media (X, YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook) websites; all meant to ensure access to information, inform and educate the public.
“Don’t publish information that will turn out to be false. Credibility of both the Police and media is built on truth and trust.”
“Where there is no security everyone gets affected, which makes security a collective responsibility. That also goes with constructive reporting and doing away with sensationalism just to attract attention and to get views,” ACP Rutikanga added.
He urged them to fight acts that affect community and youth development like drug trafficking and abuse, domestic and child abuse, theft, smuggling, and drunkenness especially among the young people. (End)