Rwanda National Police Spokesperson, Commissioner of Police John Bosco Kabera, has told The New Times that there were four fatal road accidents despite a general calm security situation countrywide, on Christmas Day.

According to Kabera, accidents include one in Rwamagana where a speeding vehicle hit a pedestrian who was crossing the road, in the afternoon on December 25.

In Karongi District, an 11-year-old child was killed when hit by a tire that fell from a moving heavy truck late in the evening, while in Kamonyi District, a bicycle rider was hit and killed by a yet to be identified driver.

"There is a fourth accident that happened in Rusizi. So, four people died yesterday (December 25 - 26) unlike the day earlier when we recorded no fatal road accidents," Kabera said.

"The security situation on Christmas Eve was calm and there were no security incidents. 

When it comes to abiding by Covid-19 precautions, he said, the public has endeavoured to respect curfew hours and be home on time. 

Everywhere in the country, he noted, people tried to get home on time apart from the challenge Thursday, and earlier, when those travelling up country encountered transport challenges "but concerned institutions collaborated with the police and people were assisted to travel."

Passenger service companies operating upcountry routes were overwhelmed on Christmas Eve.

There have been no recorded fatal road accidents.

However, Kabera stressed, even though people have respected curfew hours, generally, more effort is required to halt the spread of the virus.

"People must follow the instructions and get home on time, manage their time well, but also not forget key things which some people are still being penalised for," Kabera said.

"These things include; wearing a face mask well, and this is a must because the pandemic has not gone away; maintenance of a safe distance wherever people congregate; properly washing hands as many times as possible; and in places where various services are provided, people must remain vigilant."

Some people, Kabera said, seem to have relaxed and stopped being careful all together and this will cost the entire country. 

"People, clearly, are no longer heeding the warning of not exchanging money and using hand sanitisers. The police are not going to be lenient here. 

"The few people who are not abiding by regulations are going to cause trouble to the many who are doing the right thing. The police will toughen measures during the entire festive season."

Kabera urged people to do the right thing; help in their own individual capacity, to stop the spread of the pandemic "instead of hiding from the police" because they are not the enemy.

"Covid-19 is the enemy, not the police," he said.