Kigali: Rwanda National Police (RNP) has commended the general public for their responsive conduct, which led to a calm and peaceful festive season.
According to Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, the RNP spokesperson, there were “no major incidents” and that all social events were conducted within the limits of the law.
“The last 24 hours (New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day) were characterized by peaceful and secure merrymaking activities with free and safe movements day and night as usual,” CP Kabera said.
He also took time to thank organisers of musical shows, faith based organizations, bars and night spots as well as other security and governance institutions, and the general public for their support in ensuring the peaceful festive period, and called for continued partnership spirit against any criminal acts in the New Year.
CP Kabera, however, said that in the last 24 hours (New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day), one fatal accident was recorded across the country.
The accident, which occurred in Nyamasheke District on New Year’s Eve involved an omnibus RAC 113K driven by one only identified as Maisha Venancia, 26, knocked a pedestrian in Kivugiza, who was pronounced dead on arrival at Kivugiza health centre.
“We also recorded a serious accident in Nyarugenge District and 16 minor accidents involving 21 simple injuries,” CP Kabera said.
Five people, he said, were also arrested for drunk-driving with one of them having been involved in a minor accident.
Majority of the accidents were due to over speeding, bad maneuvers and failure to respect traffic signs.
“This past year has been generally peaceful with no major incident, there was significant reduction both in crime and road accidents, increased public participation in policing and information sharing about wrongdoers especially drug dealers and cases of corruption. RNP reels on such proactive spirit of community policing for the safety of all at all times,” the spokesperson said.
Accidents decreased by about 20 percent in 2018 compared to the previous year. The reduction is attributed to installation of speed governor in cargo and public service vehicles, which previously used to be majority involved in fatal accidents.
More than 200 people were also arrested attempting to bribe Police officers, last year. More than 1000 people were arrested since 2015 over similar crime. (End)