The Acting Commissioner General of Police, Mary Gahonzire, has praised the media over the role they played in alerting the population on matters concerning security during 2008. She said that courtesy of this cooperation, the general crime rate drastically decreased last year compared to the previous year.

Gahonzire said this yesterday during a news conference that took place at the National Police headquarters in Kacyiru, a conference that aimed at providing updates on the general security situation in the country, specifically during the festive season.

"I appreciate members of the media who worked closely with the police in alerting the population on crimes. Your contribution did a lot we are proud of having you as our partners in promoting a crime free Rwanda,” said the Police Chief. 

She also urged the members of the media and the general population to continue their efforts in partnering with the police to ensure that security improves in 2009.  

The rate of crime reduced to up to 30 per cent in 2008 according to statistics provided by community policing director Chief Supt. Emmanuel Butera.

Gahonzire also underscored that security was stable inside and at the boarders of the country during the festive season, save for the few minor cases which were reported during the period.

Traffic Police boss Robert Niyonshuti said that the general traffic situation during the festive season had improved in comparison with the previous years.

"Six minor accidents were recorded both in Kigali and the provinces during the festive season. Three were in Kigali and three were in provinces. We deployed many officers along the roads to ensure safety during the period, and the outcome was good,” Niyonshuti during the conference.

The strategic plan of action of the police this year according to Gahonzire, is to put much emphasis on community policing, fighting corruption in the force, fighting use of drugs and improving in the use of technology in their work as it helps in inter-border crimes.

The National police target this year is to decrease crimes by at least 45 percent of the current situation.

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