RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera
Kigali, 16 March (RNA) – Rwanda National Police (RNP) has called upon the general public to remain calm, avoid spreading rumors, which cause panic and to ensure maximum observance of national and international hygiene guidelines so as to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
While appearing on the morning talk-show – Waramutse Rwanda – on Rwanda Television on Monday, RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that the security situation in the country remains stable.
He added that Police is also investing much effort in supplementing national measures against the virus, especially through awareness on recommended preventive measures and ensuring that national policies are followed and implemented.
“Different government institutions have issued directives in the wake of this pandemic, on how to contain it; as the Police, we work with these entities to spread these messages, but also follow up to ensure that they are respected,” CP Kabera said.
“It is the responsibility of everyone to fight the spread of Coronavirus, and that goes with heeding hygiene guidelines like avoiding shaking hands, big gatherings, washing hands and keeping them clean at all times.”
“We urge the general public to desist from spreading rumors and give no ears to such baseless information, which cause panic, and follow government hygiene guidelines. A toll-free line 114 has been established to seek and report any information related to Coronavirus, but the usual the Police emergency line 112 also serves the purpose in these moments,” the spokesperson said.
He, however, warned against abusing these lines with inappropriate and unwanted calls.
CP John Bosco Kabera said that some people attempting to access these emergency services can be affected by these disruptive calls.
Abusing these emergency lines is as crime punishable under law No. 24/2016 of 18/06/2016 governing information and communication technologies especially in its article 201, which refers to degradation or denial of services; and article 35 of law No. 60/2018 of 22/08/2018 on prevention and punishment of cyber-crimes, which gives punishment to anyone who has caused service degradation, failure and interruption.”
Actions under article 35 attract imprisonment of between six months and two years and a fine of between Rwf 1 million and Rwf 2 million.
CP Kabera further emphasized the directives issued by Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority (RURA) against standing in public vehicles.
Like the instructions say, he said that no driver is allowed to transport people when they are standing in the bus as it has been the practice and that it doesn’t mean speeding and putting people’s lives at risk so as to make many rounds. (End)