GAKENKE –More rape cases were reported compared to other crimes in Gakenke District last month, according to the district security report.

The report presented by Mayor Deogratius Nzabamwita, before the district security meeting Monday indicates there were nine cases of rape, five murder cases , and eight cases of violence especially against women. Other crimes reported were drug trafficking and suicide.

The provincial Governor, Aime Bosenibamwe, urged grassroots leaders present to work towards eliminating all forms of crimes by mapping out zones.

The meeting was also attended the Division Commander Brig, Gen Alex Kagame, the RPC, Chief Supt. Joel Ndahiro.

Bosenibamwe said authorities should create a conducive environment for investment.

"The primary responsibility of cell and village leaders is to map their areas, identify particular families, crime prone areas and find measures to deal with such challenges,’’ Bosenibamwe said.

In his two-hour long speech, Bosenibamwe challenged local leaders to be change agents in their localities.

"I felt ashamed when this district emerged last in the recent performance evaluation. You need to work as a team, to create a conducive environment for investment,’’ he observed.

It emerged that rape suspects would be tried from areas where they committed the crime.

The meeting also recommended that the district recruits a security officer to coordinate the activities of all local defence personnel and night patrols.

Ends