Police warn against reckless New Year celebrations

Police have warned the public to avoid reckless activities as they celebrate the New Year 2014, urging them to be peaceful and calm.Police spokesperson Damas Gatare also urged the public to remain vigilant and collaborate with Police and other security agencies in order to enhance security.“People should abide by laws, especially avoid drunk driving, use of drugs, illicit brews and avoid conflicts wherever they will be celebrating from,” he said in an interview with The New Times on New Year’s Eve.He said police had stepped up security measures during this festive season, including more patrols on the roads, sensitisation campaigns in the public as well as strengthened community policing all aimed at preventing crime.Gatare commended the public for its partnership with Police, which he said had yielded positive results by reducing crime rate. According to recent statistics, crime reduced by 2.1 per cent in the last quarter of the just-ended year and there was a reduction of road traffic-related offences at 34.9 per cent in the same period compared to the last quarter of 2012. The most common crimes reported include assault, theft, and defilement/rape which were as a result of domestic conflicts, drug abuse and drunken behavior.Police says road-related offences were mainly caused by speeding, drunkenness, violating traffic lights and not respecting Zebra Crossings.Meanwhile, Police said yesterday three men have so far been arrested in connection with the murder of three teenage girls in Nkomane Sector of Nyamagabe District on Sunday. The suspects were arrested the same day in Mutuntu Sector in Karongi District where they had fled to. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects attacked the teens, who include three girls and a boy, all aged below 12 years, as they were looking after livestock, killing all the girls on spot and seriously injuring the boy, according to Police. The boy was rushed to Mugonero hospital, where he is under intensive care. The suspects are held at Gasaka Police Station in Nyamagabe as investigation continues to ascertain the reason behind the bloody act. Commending the public for providing leads, the Southern Region Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Hubert Gashagaza said there is still need for the community to take an upper hand to identify suspicious elements in their communities. “Even the death of one person is a great loss to the country. All Rwandans should act responsibly to report any security threats. Together, such criminal acts can be prevented,” CSP Gashagaza said.

National

Police warn against reckless New Year celebrations