Three children have drowned in separate incidents over the past two days. One of the victims, a 15-year-old Egide Habinshuti drowned in River Rubyiro in Nyamasheke District while swimming with his peers. Other victims were identified as Alphonse Byukusenge, 14, who drowned in Agatobwe River in Nyaruguru District and nine- year-old Jean de Dieu Ahishakiye, who drowned in Lake Mugesera, Bugesera District while attempting to learn how to swim, according to Police. The Western region Police spokesperson, Inspector of Police (IP) Theobard Kanamugire, confirmed the unfortunate incidents and called on parents especially those residing near water bodies to watch over their children and take precautionary measures to protect them against drowning. ‘‘Lakes and other water bodies pose a serious danger to children and Police appeals to parents and guardians to ensure that their children do not play around them or send them to fetch water from these sources,’’ he said. “Children need constant parental attention. They should not be abandoned or allowed to play in and around water bodies,” IP Kanamugire said. “In case of such accidents, the public should call the police. We have a fully fledged marine unit that would intervene immediately,” he added. Police in Nyaruguru said this was the only drowning incident in the district in the recent past. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
