Few crimes reported on Christmas Day – Minister

Police tows 50 vehicles, 20 motorcycles KIGALI - The Minister of Internal Affairs Musa Fazil Harelimana has said that insecurity cases reported on Christmas Day were very minimal compared to previous years. “The figures of insecurity cases reported on the Christmas were very minimal and this was because of the ongoing community policing and good coordination of security organs concerned,” Harelimana said by telephone yesterday. Community policing is a government initiative that was introduced to have the population participate in security operations in their respective communities. The Rwanda National Police (RNP) through its road safety department towed 50 vehicles and 20 motorcycles on Christmas night; The majority of the drivers had consumed excessive alcohol. This operation came in force after the Traffic Police announced the tightening of road safety rules ahead of the festive season. In a phone interview with the head of Traffic Police, Superintendent Robert Niyonshuti said that the Police had massively deployed in all roads across the country to ensure maximum road security. “We managed to control road security but of course there are some individuals who broke the law which resulted in the towing of over fifty vehicles and twenty motorcycles,” said Niyonshuti. He added that the figures of accidents are still high saying that the police was carrying out a massive sensitisation campaign to ensure that the figures go down during the New Year celebration. “We are imposing strict punitive measures for violation of road safety rules and irresponsible road usage: Those who want to enjoy drinking should leave their vehicles at home or use drivers. The traffic police boss also warned on drunken driving saying that it is the main cause of deadly road accidents most especially during the festive season as most people become excited. Asked if there were road accidents during the Christmas night, Niyonshuti said that there was only one minor case of a motorcycle that knocked down a pedestrian. Ends