The Rwanda National Police have commended Rwandans for a generally incident-free Christmas holiday, urging continued vigilance heading into the New Year.

Police say this week was largely peaceful although three people lost their lives in two separate incidents – one an accident in Kicukiro District, Kigali and another a suspected murder case in Musanze District, Northern Province. 

Several other people sustained minor injuries in a total of eight road accidents across the country between the Christmas Eve and December 27, Police Spokesman Chief. Supt. Celestin Twahirwa said.

One of the fatal accidents occurred in Kabeza, Kanombe Sector in Kicukiro District in the early hours on Christmas Day, where a car knocked a commercial motorcyclist, killing the rider and his passenger instantly. The driver of the car is said to have been drunk at the time of the accident, he explained.

"We also registered one case of murder on December 24, one robbery case on Christmas Eve  and one fire incident in Nyarugenge where a house caught fire apparently due to short circuit but the Fire and Rescue Brigade immediately intervened and put out the fire,” said CSP Twahirwa.

"In the case of murder which happened in Musanze District, Nyange sector in Kabeza cell, two people have so far been arrested while the third person identified as Theogene Munyaneza is still on the run and we call upon those with information of his whereabouts, to inform security organs in the area so as to ensure that justice is served,” he said.

The robbery case registered in Gatsibo District involved five people who were arrested red-handed loading 19 cows they allegedly stole from various farms in Eastern Province, and the cattle were later returned to their owners.

"The festivities are still ongoing and we call upon all Rwandans, particularly drivers, to be vigilant; drive carefully, don’t drink and drive and if you are drunk better take a taxi  and if for any reason a taxi is not available, call the Police, we will transport you home instead of risking your life and those of others,” said Twahirwa.

The Police Spokesperson further appealed to people organising entertainment events to abide by the law and rules not to infringe on other people’s rights and jolly moments.

"The entertainment industry conducted its events peacefully although we had some cases of noise nuisance where music was found to be too loud in some bars and restaurants and they were advised and subsequently complied; we expect them to maintain the same spirit and even others revisit their conduct because our intention is to ensure that everyone enjoys and conducts their business in a way that won’t affect others,” he noted.

He appealed to the population to maintain the community policing spirit and report any illegal acts in time.  "Let everybody be vigilant and ensure peaceful New Year celebrations.”

The community policing concept, which binds communities with Police to look and respond to local security challenges, has been credited with improving safety and security and making Rwanda one of the safest countries on the continent and beyond.