Police cautioned on corruption

GASABO - The Minister of Internal Security has cautioned police officers against corruption despite the remarkable achievements the force registered last year especially in curbing crime. Minister Musa Fazil Harerimana said this while addressing Police officers during the a get-together function organised by the National Police to celebrate their achievements over the past year. Police was last year credited with reducing the rate of crime by 30 percent compared to the previous year. “How can you arrest other officials over corruption when you are corrupt yourselves?” Harerimana asked. Speaking to The New Times at Kacyiru Police headquarters, the minister said that police officers will have to undergo daily checking of the amount of money they are carrying before starting their daily duty, and be ready to be searched anytime while on duty. According to Harerimana, the processes will be a daily routine for all police officers and prison wardens. From the office, at hospitals and other public places the police and prison wardens on duty, will have to declare the amount they have to their immediate supervisors and the report will be handed to the district police commanders, who will be responsible for daily assignments. “We have zero tolerance for corruption in the police, any one is caught in the act will be sacked and brought to justice,” Harerimana stressed. The acting Commissioner General of Police, Mary Gahonzire, said that the National Police made remarkable progress in accident prevention, community policing, fighting against gender-based violence and other conflicts. Police was also commended for their achievements in fighting domestic crimes, peacekeeping, and community policing. “You can not reap were you didn’t sow. If you need the country to do something for you, you have to work hard and show it that you deserve it,” Gahonzire advised. The function was marked by rewarding superintendents Jean Baptiste Seminega, Morris Murigo and Inspector Rose Muhisoni for outstanding services in different domains. Others awarded were Police Constables Severien Rukundo, Felix Ntirenganya and Corporal Donata Nyinawumuntu. Ends