Members of Community Policing Committees (CPCs) and Anti-crime clubs from various schools in Kicukiro District have been called on to leave no gap that can be utilised by wrongdoers to carryout criminal activities. The call was made yesterday by different officials during a one day workshop that brought together 375 CPCs and students from 40 secondary schools, to discuss various security related issues, as force multiplier in crime prevention. Kicukiro mayor, Paul Jules Ndamage, who presided over the exercise, observed that although Rwanda National Police has restored security and peace in the country, it's paramount that all Rwandans join to preserve what has been achieved and fight anything that can compromise community safety. "Rwanda is blessed to have a police force that is community centred, and it should be a challenge to everyone especially you, the specific crime preventers to be more active in spearheading the implementation of initiatives meant to improve safety and community in communities and schools," Ndamage said. He reminded them to be vigilant against acts of corruption and urged students to make their anti-crime clubs more vibrant to realise their agenda. He further reminded and cautioned teachers against sexual acts which have been identified as threats to girl students and appealed to the students to stand up for their rights and report such teachers. ACP Damas Gatare, Commissioner for community policing in RNP thanked the group for their voluntary services to fight and prevent crimes. "We can't allow to be held back to the time of insecurity. We have to move forward by jealously preserving the level of security so far attained, but also fight other security threats that still exist, together," said ACP Gatare. Drug and human trafficking, child abuse and corruption were highlighted as some of the security issues that need to be addressed and reported, wherever they are spotted. Cases of drug abuse, although have decreased, remain among major crimes committed in the country, majority of those involved being the youth. On the other hand, victims of human trafficking are said to be ending up in sexual exploitation, forced labour, slavery as well as organ removal and sale. At least 19 cases of human trafficking involving 25 victims, including foreigners intercepted in Rwanda en route to either Europe or Asia, were registered last year, according to police statistics. Twenty-three of the victims were female. About 26 suspected traffickers were also apprehended in partnership with RNP and other regional police forces. The workshop was also attended by the central Region Police Commander, ACP Rogers Rutikanga and head teachers of the 40 schools. It was also characterized by testimonies from former drug addicts. One of the former drug addicts-turned artist, Emmanuel Rukundo said that he smoked cannabis for nine years - 2004 to 2013 - the narcotic drug forced him out of school. "Consuming cannabis cut short my education dream. I dropped out of school in senior six, but today I am regretting," said the 34-year old. Olivia Gageruka, a Senior Five student at ES Nyarugunga said: "We have been reminded of our role in crime prevention especially fighting drug abuse which is affecting majority youth. We have seen what drug abuse can do to dent the future of our fellow young generation. It's time for us to spearhead the awareness against such bad and criminal acts."

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