The popular, Ndoli’s Joint Supermarket-Forex Bureau at Kisementi, Kicukiro District, was, last Monday, robbed of more the Rwf 25m in various currencies. In less than a week, all the suspects involved were arrested and are in police custody.

In spite of the burglary having been a well planned inside job, what was amazing about the arrests, was the role the community played in apprehending the suspects as they tried to escape.

The suspected robbers, attempted to sneak into neighboring Burundi through Bugesera, but the vigilant residents noticed something unusual about them and alerted security officials.

According to the police, the residents of Bugesera became suspicious after noticing that the suspects were carrying large sums of money, something extremely unusual.

Such vigilance and consequent action by the Bugesera residents should be emulated by all the Rwandan citizens. Not everyone is a saint; however, there are quite a number of crimes that can be prevented if community members are always alert.

For Ndoli’s case, the suspects were arrested as they tried to get away. But, other crimes such as domestic violence, abuse, smuggling, kidnapping and corruption can be eliminated if the community is actively involved.

On top of being alert, the community should always report any suspicious characters or actions. In addition to the police, the Government has decentralized leadership, with every Umudugudu (Village) availed security personnel who are ready to follow up on any security concerns brought forward.

Lets us not leave fighting crime to the Police only, together we can ensure that our communities are safe and peaceful.

Ends