At least ten people suspected to be behind a number of criminal activities in Kigali have been arrested.

The suspects include thieves, illicit drug dealers and abusers, and street vendors.

They were arrested in Police operations conducted in the districts of Kicukiro and Nyarugenge on Thursday night.

Senior Supt. (SSP) Urbain Mwiseneza, the central region Police Spokesperson, said six of the suspects are linked to a number of robbery cases in the city, including snatching ladies bags and vandalising vehicles.

The suspects were apprehended in Marembo II cell of Gikondo Sector and are currently held at Gikondo Police Station as investigations continue.

 "These are routine operations aimed at preventing crime in the city,” SSP Mwiseneza explained.

He also urged street vendors to relocate to business areas availed by districts.

The city districts of Nyarugenge, Kicukiro and Gasabo scrapped taxes for up to six months for hawkers who will relocate to markets.

This was after vendors argued that operating in these markets will be costly due to various expenses required in terms of rent and taxes.

"Despite these subsidies, some people have continued hawking, some of whom hide behind it to steal from customers and city dwellers,” SSP Mwiseneza said.

"I advise hawkers to follow their colleagues and seize the opportunity to operate in organised markets,” he noted.