Taxi-moto operators should play a vital role in crime prevention by providing information to Police on criminal activities.

The message was delivered by Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Butera, Commissioner for Operations in Rwanda National Police, yesterday, during a meeting with over 230 representatives of Taxi-moto operators in Kigali.

CP Butera noted that criminals such as drug dealers and burglars usually prefer to employ services of motorists, and urged them to watch against being manipulated by such characters.

"Your work is valuable to Rwandans and must be protected against criminality of any kind. Some criminals masquerade as motorists yet they are drug dealers, burglars or suspects in other crimes. You should cooperate with Police by identifying such individuals and report them so that we can together overcome crime,” he said.

"You should also desist from aiding illegal and criminal activities but help your communities in maintaining peace and safety for both lives and property.”

Commissioner Butera also reminded the group of their duty to maintain road safety by respecting traffic rules and regulations.

"Do not consume alcohol or drugs while at work otherwise you will put your lives and other passengers’ lives at risk. Always be honest and patriotic at all times,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of fellow motorcyclists, Daniel Ngarambe, asked his colleagues to heed Police advice.

We are committed to help Police during investigations by providing information on suspicious cases in communities; and also offer no compromise to criminals who employ services of motorcyclists, he said.

RNP continuously reaches out to commercial motorcyclists with messages on community safety and encourages them to embrace working in cooperatives, best way to improve their well-being.

The force also supports their development by providing financial support through their cooperatives in order to help them develop and streamline their activities.