The number of physical assault cases recorded by police dropped by 33.7 percent between July and August, as authorities intensified a crackdown on illicit alcoholic drinks. Police figures show that 652 battery cases had been recorded by the end of July. However, by the end of August, the number had fallen to 432, a reduction of 220 cases. The decline comes as law enforcement agencies have stepped up operations targeting illicit alcoholic drinks, amid concerns over their impact on public safety and other social problems. ALSO READ: Illicit alcohol linked to over 40 deaths in six months, health minister says Battery refers to the unlawful use of physical force against another person, including acts such as hitting, punching, kicking or slapping. The crackdown on illicit alcohol intensified in late July and early August following growing concerns over the health and social consequences of consuming substandard alcoholic beverages. On August 4, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) said authorities had inspected 246 production sites, shut down nearly 110 factories and arrested 56 suspects in the preceding two weeks. ALSO READ: Experts: Illicit alcohol crackdown should go beyond enforcement Products worth more than Rwf2.6 billion had also been seized and fines of nearly Rwf360 million imposed. The operation later expanded, with RIB saying more than 140 companies had been closed and hundreds of alcohol brands recalled since August 2. And later on the bureau said 104 suspects linked to illicit alcohol distribution had been arrested and 97 case files had been forwarded to prosecution since July 20. The government has also linked alcohol abuse to wider social problems. In July, Local Government Minister Dominique Habimana said alcohol abuse contributes to domestic conflicts, school dropouts, unemployment and other challenges affecting families and young people. The crackdown followed reports of serious health consequences associated with illicit alcohol consumption. Health officials said more than 50 people had died, over 100 had lost their sight and more than 500 had sought medical treatment after consuming illicit alcoholic beverages since the beginning of 2026.
