Rwanda National Police (RNP) has warned members of the public, who continue to disregard the government directives meant to contain the pandemic of COVID-19.
The warning follows separate operations in different parts of the country where people have been arrested in illegal social gatherings.
In the latest operation conducted on Tuesday, April 27, RNP arrested eight people in Kiyovu Cell, Nyarugenge Sector, Nyarugenge District where they were found in a bar drinking.
The group, which also violated the curfew, was caught at about 11pm.
Under the national Covid-19 prevention directives, bars remain closed and movements are prohibited from 9pm to 4am, except for those with permission.
The eight violators were on Wednesday, April 28, showed to the media at Kigali Metropolitan Police Headquarters in Remera, Gasabo District.
Among the arrested violators include Faustin Nshimyumukiza, the chief of Ingenzi village in Kiyovu cell, who was also found drinking.
“We violated the government directives; it is true Police found me and my colleagues in the bar drinking but it was also during hours when everyone is supposed to be home. I broke the guidelines both as a Rwandan and as a leader, who should lead by example. For that, I ask for forgiveness,” said Nshimyumukiza.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera, said concerned local residents tipped-off the Police about the bar, which was open with customers inside drinking, but also operating during curfew hours.
“At about 11pm, Police was tipped-off by residents that there are people gathered in a bar drinking. Police responded to the information and found eight people at the same bar drinking, among whom was the village chief,” said CP Kabera.
He added: “Anyone flouting the government directives will be arrested. It is embarrassing to see the chairman of the village, who should lead by example and guide others to adhere to government guidelines, instead he joined them to undermine the safety guidelines.”
The RNP spokesperson thanked those, who continue to adhere to the government directives to contain Covid-19 pandemic.
He further warned local leaders and other members of the public, who derail government efforts against the pandemic and expose other people at risk.
The violators were educated on the government directives and health practices to contain the virus and also fined for the violation.
Rwanda records one more COVID-19 death, 74 new cases
The Ministry of Health has reported that one person has succumbed to COVID-19 bringing the death toll to 332. The deceased is a man aged 56 from Huye district.
The statement released last night shows that 74 people have caught the virus, 86 recovered while 3 are critically ill.
Rwanda confirmed the first Coronavirus case on 14th March 2020. Since then, 24 888 people have been tested positive of whom 23 175 have recovered, 1381 are active cases while 332 have succumbed to the virus.
A total of 349, 702 people have been vaccinated since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program.
The majority of new cases were found in Karongi: 17, Bugesera: 9, Nyaruguru: 7, Gicumbi: 7, Huye: 6 and Kirehe: 6.
Coronavirus symptoms include coughing, flu, and difficulty in breathing. The virus is said to be transmitted through the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
Rwandans are urged to adhere to COVID-19 health guidelines, washing hands frequently using soaps and safe water, wearing face masks and respecting social distancing.
