Rwandans must enjoy responsibly and refrain from breaking the law during the festive season to avoid loss of lives and ensure a crime-free merrymaking period.

The warning was issued yesterday during a Rwanda National Police (RNP) talkshow broadcast on local radio and television stations.

Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Butera, Commissioner for Operations said no Rwandan should lose life in accidents caused by drunken and careless drivers, or fires that could be started by excited smokers.

"The festive period is finally here and we are all looking forward to it,” CP Butera said.

"We need to be responsible and mind the peace of others while also following the law to ensure our safety and that of other people,” he added.

He cautioned that wrong elements would always wish to take advantage of the Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations to commit crime.

"To those intending to enjoy your festive season else where, ensure that your houses are safe. Police will always be there to protect you and your property but it is paramount that you also take initial measures and avoid carelessness,” he said.

He noted that the Force has taken extra measures to ensure peace, including transporting drunk drivers to their homes to prevent them from driving under the influence of alcohol, which can result into accidents and loss of lives.

Commissioner for Traffic and Road Safety, CP George Rumanzi, noted that although road accidents had tremendously decreased in the last three months, there are drivers who continue to breach traffic rules.

"We should not accept deaths due to recklessness. Therefore, speeding, overloading and talking on phone while driving will not be tolerated,” Rumanzi said.

ACP Theos Badege, Commissioner for Criminal Investigation Department, meanwhile, warned the public especially errant drivers against trying to bribe Police officers when caught in the wrong.

"This month we arrested 74 drivers for bribery. As the law states, they face up to five years in prison,” ACP Badege said.

He also called on the public to embrace community policing which, he said, has proved to be effective in curbing crime.

Felonies committed in Rwanda dropped by 5 per cent in 2014 compared to last year, according to a latest Police report.

Police attributed this to concerted efforts to end crime, including the adoption of modern and advanced detection measures and a continuous massive campaign, among other initiatives.

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