Local leaders in Rwamagana District have been reminded to spearhead the awareness against crimes in their communities and cooperate with law enforcers to apprehend criminals.

The message was delivered on October 21 by Mayor of Rwamagana, Abdul Karim Uwizeyimana, during a meeting that brought together about 80 leaders that include Cell and Sector executive secretaries, police and residents and held in Musha Sector.

Uwizeyimana said that leaders have a duty to protect their neighborhood from crime by involving residents in nation-building programs and encouraging them to participate in anti-crime initiatives.

"Leaders should encourage community-based crime prevention programs, such as Community Policing, as well as encourage residents to actively work with all organs to address issues that could contribute to crime,” he said.

"Leaders should also be exemplary and professional, as well as play their roles in problem identification and planning solutions to problems in their communities.”

He further called for a higher level of community involvement in crime prevention – and called faith-based organizations and non-government organizations in the district to cooperate with police and other law enforcers to identify criminals and maintain security.

The District Community Liaison Officer of Rwamagana, Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) Gorette Uwimana, called on residents to avoid wrangles that could escalate into violence and urged them to seek for mediation from concerned authorities and their local leaders in particular. 

editorial@newtimes.co.rw