RUBAVU – Ex-combatants in Rubavu district should partner with community policing committees in villages to ensure security, the District Police commander, Supt. Gilbert Ruhorahoza, said at the closure of the community policing week.

More than 200 ex-combatants and sector officials were urged to share information on security threats in the area.

‘The essence of community policing is to partner with the community in preventing crimes. Without the community we can investigate and punish criminals but we need to prevent crimes. That’s the reason we need these people,” Supt. Ruhorahoza said.

According to police, there is need for more vigilance at the porous borders where illicit drugs are smuggled into the country from DRC.

Meanwhile, Police set on fire marijuana and banned local brew commonly known as Kanyanga worth Rwf 4.3million which was impounded from illegal dealers.

"These illicit drugs you see here were impounded along the porous border posts. The border should be monitored at all times to keep our area safe from drugs and that is why we need cooperation from these ex-combatants,” Vital Ntagengwa, the Rubavu Intermediate Court Prosecutor said.

Residents were also warned against drug abuse. In March this year two residents were reportedly killed when they drunk local gin laced with ethanol smuggled from DRC.

Ends