Police have called on the public to always report their grievances and misunderstandings rather than taking the law in their own hands.

The call follows Sunday’s incident in Ndera Cell, Gasabo District, when Police arrested Augustine Habiyambere, 44, for allegedly stabbing his colleague in the chest with a knife over a debt dispute of Rwf2,000.

The victim, Emmanuel Nshimiyimana, 20, was taken to Central University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (Chuk) for treatment, while his alleged attacker is detained at Rusororo Police Station as investigations continue.

Police Spokesperson for Central Region Modeste Mbabazi said the incident was "regrettable and should never have happened if the two individuals had sought mediation rather than resorting to violence.”

"There is nothing good that comes from taking the law in your own hands, because, you may end up breaking the law and committing a serious criminal offense,” Mbabazi said.

"Police’s doors are open to anyone who has a complaint or grievance to report, and we are capable of investigating and resolving them. Other than that, there are local leaders at the grassroots level who can be approached in case of a misunderstanding. There is no excuse whatsoever for such acts of violence that may end up escalating.”

Rwanda National Police acquired three Mobile Police Vehicle trucks, which are currently traversing remote areas across the country, where people reside far from Police services, registering their complaints for appropriate action.

Considering that the incident was first reported by witnesses, Mbabazi commended the public for adhering to the call of community policing, enablingPolice to arrive at the scene in time to apprehend the suspect and rush the victim to hospital.

He also attributed assault cases to drug abuse and drunkenness, and urged citizens to abstain and fight abuse of drugs in order to safeguard the community from violence and crime.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw