Residents of Rwamagana District yesterday queued in numbers to report cases at the Mobile Police Station Vehicle on its its maiden trip to Eastern Province. The mobile service is reserved for citizens residing or working in places located far away from police stations, with a mobile vehicle combing remote villages looking for residents who wish to file complaints or report injustices. The service was first rolled out in Kamonyi District in Southern Province on January 8, and since then, the vehicles have made three trips that have served hundreds of citizens in upcountry areas. “I had a land problem with my neighbour for a very long time; I found it hard to report to Police because the station is too far. However, I had an announcement that Police would come all the way to our area to listen to us,” Berina Nyirandinabo, a 54 year old widow resident in Nzige Sector, Rwamagana said. Over 50 residents lined up as officers listened to their cases. “The Police officer listened to me attentively and advised me on the next step. I am satisfied and happy that Police goes as far as this to serve all Rwandans,” Nyirandinabo told journalists after recording her case. Police Spokesperson Chief Superintendent of Police Celestin Twahirwa said most cases presented at the Mobile Station include land disputes, domestic wrangles, and gender based violence. “The Police Mobile Station Vehicle is a force multiplier; it enables police services to reach the furthest residents who are not close to our or other national services. We have so far gone to four places and the attendance has been overwhelming,” CSP Twahirwa said. “Police takes into consideration the nature of complaints presented and sorts them out according to the relevant institutions. We are partnering with the ministries of Justice, and Local Government and Social Affairs so that all the complaints can receive adequate attention.” Officials from the Ministry of Justice travel alongside Police officers whenever the vehicles head out for outreach operations, and provide advice and assistance to those in need. Police has three mobile station vehicles that cover areas seen to be in need of the service with plans to increase the number of vehicles so as to traverse the whole country in the near future. In previous cases, police statistics indicate that 41 cases remained with Police, while the rest were sent to relevant public institutions. Another service that the vehicles are providing is education and sensitisation of residents on matters pertaining their rights and freedoms and where to report specific complaints they may have. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
