The National Public Prosecution Authority (NPPA) is considering setting up a criminal research centre.

The creation of the centre, that would provide scientific-based studies to support national strategies, was among the recommendations of a study conducted by NPPA in partnership with Rwanda National Police to analyse the causes of prevalent crimes, and challenges and strategies for criminality reduction.

The study was conducted in 15 districts across the country and aimed to understand the reasons behind the occurrence of crimes for effective prevention strategies.

Prosecutor General Richard Muhumuza said in order to keep abreast of the crimes evolution, there is need for constant research.

"For instance, this study was generic but with such a centre, there can be research as to why a specific crime is on the rise, why people in a given age bracket commit crimes, among others. Such regular research would inform policymaking and contribute to making appropriate policies and strategies,” he told a meeting of stakeholders in Kigali yesterday.

Muhumuza stressed the importance of research in crime prevention.

Crimes have been rising over the years, according to prosecution reports.

In 2011, 23344 cases were recorded, 25898 in 2012, and 28755 in 2013 as well as 28868 in 2014.

"We wanted to know why crimes were on the rise despite our efforts on prevention. You can’t fight crimes without knowing the causes and challenges. You need research.

"The findings have shown us challenges and recommended solutions to overcome them. We will adopt them to prevent crimes,” Muhumuza said.

The study indicates that common crimes against persons include murder, rape, child defilement, spousal harassment, among others.

Crimes against properties and state cited include theft, fraud, embezzlement as well as emerging crimes like human trafficking, cybercrimes, money laundering and terrorism acts.

According to the study, illegal use of narcotic drugs remains the principal cause of crimes together with desire for illicit enrichment, ignorance of the law, poverty and misconception about gender equality, among others.

Dr Charity Wibabara, a national prosecutor, emphasised the need to increase awareness among the public.

"While killings have been deterred, the study indicated that intra and inter-family killings are still prevalent. Some people faulted poverty, unemployment, among the reasons. There are also emerging crimes that victims are ignorant about. This calls for more awareness and trainings,” she said.

Participants suggested use of alternative sentencing such as general interest works and bail to help reduce congestion and expenditures in prisons.

Data was gathered through focus group discussions and interviews with criminal justice actors, suspects under police custody, as well as convicts, totaling 512 people.

Lack of sufficient knowledge and skills among criminal justice actors, inadequate rehabilitation and reintegration mechanisms of offenders and financial constraints, are among the challenges to prevention and fight against crimes, according to the study.

The study recommended improvement in the quality of investigation, awareness on crimes, establishment of training programmes, equitable financial planning, legal and policy changes, reinforcement of rehabilitation programmes, strengthening domestic, and international cooperation, among others.

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