The metropolitan police has strengthened its capabilities and intensified operations to deal with emerging security issues in Kigali. ACP Celestin Twahirwa, the Police spokesperson, explained that Police is ready to deal with different forms of crime emanating from urbanisation. “We have put in place varied measures to detect, prevent and combat crimes and ensure total security for Kigali residents and maximum conducive environment for doing business,” Twahirwa said. He said Police established a special crackdown force to respond rapidly to any incident. Twahirwa outlined the various units such as crime intelligence, counter-terror, and cybercrime put in place to deal with any security issues in Kigali and beyond. “This is a deliberate effort to build units capable of being more on a preventive line than dealing with the consequences,” he added. He acknowledged that in the past, Police received a number of cases related to vehicle and house break-ins. “But in most cases suspects are arrested and stolen items, especially electronics recovered, although one of the challenges we face is that the alleged owners of these items can’t even prove that they are the rightful owners… most of them don’t have any proof like receipts or even a mark to which we can base their claims,” said ACP Twahirwa. He pointed out that they have also strengthened partnership with city authorities, other security organs, and community policing partners to combat crime. Local patrols, static and mobile police rapid response units and toll-free lines, he said, have also been put in place, which helps in fast information flow. Rwanda National Police currently has nine separate toll-free lines; 112 (emergency), 111 (Fire and Rescue Brigade), 113 (traffic accidents), 110 (marine), 116 (child help-line), 3512 (Anti-GBV), 3029 (Isange), 997 (anti-corruption) and 3511 (complaint against police officer). All these are meant for easy response to any eventuality and feedback to police. “More effort is being put in detection mechanisms, sensitising the public to work with police through all the available channels, which we believe will help to reduce crime incidents as low as possible.” All villages in Kigali have local patrols supported by district authorities, which have a force multiplier effect to usual police patrols, according to Twahirwa. “In general, Kigali is safe but even a single case of any kind has its impact; for this security to be sustainably maintained, all partners in community policing including the general public are urged to partake in all safety initiatives and activities and share timely information on suspicious acts and people.” editorial@newtimes.co.rw
