Police on Monday reached out to wrangling families in Bugesera District to sensitise them on the need to embrace peaceful co-existence. The outreach programme is part of efforts to overcome domestic violence, child abuse, gender-based-violence and other crimes resulting from domestic wrangles. Five families embroiled in wrangles in the district were selected. Beatrice Mukanzamurambaho, who benefited from the initiative, said, previously, she felt like a prisoner in her family and had nowhere to run to until the Police counselled her and her husband on how to mend their ties. The other couples echoed similar excitement. They called on the Police to continue with the initiative in a bid to ensure security in the community. “My husband had abandoned me and my children because of a dispute. When Police found out about this, they tracked him and advised him to return home. Today, we both had a session with police officers, who advised us to always seek what is best for our children. We both realised that this is the right thing to do,” Claire Nawamahoro said. The district community liaison officer of Bugesera, AIP Cyprian Uwitonze, noted that crimes sometimes emanate from family wrangles. “Curbing family disputes and domestic violence is paramount in community policing. This is why we put a lot of emphasis on ensuring that families address wrangles before they escalate.” Last month, the Police reconciled 35 wrecked families in Ngororero, through its family reconciliation initiative. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
