Security organs operating in the Eastern Province have resolved to strengthen partnership with the public to counter major crimes within the region.

The organs made the commitment during a provincial security meeting held yesterday in Rwamagana District.

Speaking at the meeting, the provincial governor, Odette Uwamariya, thanked the Police for its public outreach programmes and called on the public to trust security organs by reporting to them any suspicious cases.

Uwamariya particularly singled out community policing committees as one way through which the public can partner with security organs in crime prevention.

"Community policing gives citizens more control over the quality of life in their community. It also helps police to get closer to the neighbourhoods and have a better sense of residents’ needs, while also developing greater trust for each other,” she said.

She added that it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard the safety of their neighbourhood.

The commissioner for Community Policing at Rwanda National Police, ACP Damas Gatare, who represented the Inspector General of Police, highlighted measures taken by the Police in ensuring public safety.

"In maintaining security, the Police work with the public through community policing committees, neighbourhood patrols, youth volunteers and anti-crime clubs, among others,” said Gatare.

Gatare also talked about the forthcoming road safety campaign to be launched on September 7 in Kayonza District.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Region Police Commander, CSP Emmanuel Karasi, said between July and August, 1,450 crimes were reported to the Police, among them assault, drug abuse, defilement, theft and violation of traffic rules.

"We also conducted several operations where we seized 6,865 litres of adulterated liquor, 3,865 liters of illicit brew and 390 cartons of chief waragi. During the operations, we also encountered close to 250 Burundians who had left camps and were working in different parts of the province without identification,” Karasi said.

He pointed out that several measures had been taken against the crimes.

"We have experienced several cases of bush fires in the Eastern Province, and as security organs, we have to keep sensitising the public against this malpractice,” Karasi said.

Reports indicate that at least 327 hectares of vegetation cover, including part of the Akagera national park, has been torched in the region in the last one-and-half months.

About 184 hectares of the burnt land were in the eight sectors of Kayonza District.

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