SOUTHERN PROVINCE

MUHANGA district recorded the highest number of crime in 2008, more than any other district in the province, according to recent security crime report.

The reports for the year ending December 2008 were presented by district officials during a security meeting held at Muhanga cultural center recently. But the final annual report covering the entire province is yet to be released.

According to the reports, of the eight districts, Muhanga recorded 36 cases, Huye 19, Nyamagabe 16, Gisagara 11, Kamonyi 10, Ruhango 7, while Nyanza recorded none.

Most of the cases, according to the report, were of Gender Based Violence (GBV)-especially battering of women and petty thefts. Most of the GBV cases occurred in Muhanga and Nyamagabe districts.

Other crimes included: mysterious murder cases and genocide ideology. Deaths due to heavy rains and flooding were also reported.

Two people were reported to have been mysteriously killed in Muhanga district during the Christmas celebrations and area Police are still investigating the case, with four suspects held in custody.

The meeting also addressed issues of continuous misconduct of prison guards attached to Gitarama prison. An earlier meeting held in December in Huye district had recommended disciplinary action against 13 guards who were accused of misconduct.

It was however, noted at the meeting that the rate of crime in 2008, in the whole province had generally reduced by 21% compared to 2007.

Gisagara, Kamonyi and Nyanza district were commended for efforts to reduce crime, but Nyaruguru reportedly made less attempts to prevent crime.

Meanwhile, the provincial governor, Fidel Ndayisaba, has asked district leaders to be vigilant on security in 2009 by using community policing through collaboration with Police and local leaders at grass-roots levels.  

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