NYANZA- Local residents should be vigilant and report any incidents of crime for timely intervention by security organs, Internal Security Minister, Sheikh Moussa Fazil Harerimana has said.

In an interview with The New Times on the sidelines of the National Patriotism Day public debate last week, Harerimana said contrary to media reports, crime rates have not increased in the country.

He attributed the perceived increase to ‘improved media coverage’ of such incidences.

This is against a background last week of five people being killed and over 40 injured when an unidentified assailant detonated a grenade in a market at Karambo, Ruhango District.

The Minister said that most murder cases are related to social issues like land wrangles which, he said, have for long been a source of quarrels and conflicts among families.
He added that there is still a gap between civilians and security organs which he said, makes it difficult to fight crime.

"Local people should play an active role especially through their community policing committees, by reporting any security threats,” Harerimana said.National Patriotism Day is celebrated annually on October 1.

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