Local leaders in Gatsibo District have been reminded to spearhead the fight against crimes in their respective areas.

Speaking to local leaders in Muhura Sector, Rogers Rwakayiru, an inspector of police, noted that Gatsibo is still faced with security challenges related to drug abuse, domestic and gender-based violence and child abuse, among others.

"We have seen a significant impact of community policing spearheaded by local leaders in identifying and reporting crimes in the past where wrongdoers have been arrested and illegal or stolen items recovered, and we expect you, as new leaders, to strengthen the partnership with Police and citizens to leave no room for crime,” Rwakayiru said.

The committee of leaders at the village and cell levels constitutes the community policing committee charged with spearheading the fight against crimes through strong collaboration and cooperation with the people and Police.

Gatsibo and Nyagatare districts in Eastern Province are considered as the major transit routes or destination of banned gin, including ‘Kanyanga’, ‘Chief’ and ‘Zebra’ waragi, and Blue Sky gin.

The contrabands are categorised as narcotic drugs under the law governing narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and precursors in Rwanda.

Meanwhile, Rwakayiru reminded the local leaders of the emerging threat of trafficking in human beings, and tendencies of child abuse which should also be given emphasis.

At least seven victims of human trafficking have been rescued in the last two years.

The meeting also tackled issues of sanitation and hygiene, malaria and corruption, where it was noted that local authorities are among the most corrupt leaders, comprising the relatively high number of about 1000 cases of graft recorded in 2014 and 2015 alone.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw