At least 204 road accidents were caused by motorcyclists in August across the country, Police has said. Addressing motorcyclists in Kigali on Monday, Deputy Inspector General Police (Operations), Dan Munyuza, said 176 of the accidents were in the City of Kigali. The accidents claimed five lives and injured 102 people. Munyuza, who spoke to taxi motorcyclists about safety precautions, urged them to respect traffic rules and be security cautious for personal as well as national security. He attributed the accidents to recklessness, drug abuse, over loading and speeding. Munyuza said reducing traffic accidents calls for concerted effort, warning that incessant fatal accidents could lead one to lose their driving license. Police believes motorcyclists can play a significant role in the fight against crime since they interact with passengers of different backgrounds, including suspected criminals. This is the reason why they should volunteer information about suspected criminals, Munyuza said. “It is not only about national security but their own security as well. About six motorcycles were robbed in September alone and we have received cases where motorcyclists were killed by robbers purporting to be passengers,’’ IGP Munyuza added. Some motorcyclists recounted their experience about crime in Kigali. “There are some places such as Gatenga Sector near ADPR Church, Kinyinya, Calcutta in Kiyovu Cell and Kumunigo in Nyamirambo where motorcyclists have been robbed of their motorbikes, and sometimes tortured or killed, ” Jean Nuwayo, a motorcyclist said. ACP Damasa Gatare, the police spokesperson, urged all taxi motorcyclists to always wear uniform to ensure discipline and help eliminate rogues.
