Over 1500 commercial cyclists operating in Rubavu District have formed 17 anti-crime clubs as an effective means to put their community policing ideas together to partner with security organs to fight and prevent crimes.
The anti-crime clubs formed during their meeting on February 10 in Kanzenze Sector, will be operating in six sectors.
The meeting was also attended by police officers and local leaders in the district.
Rubavu District Police Commander, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Callixte Kalisa, who also attended the meeting thanked the cyclists for the initiative saying that such a move signals their commitment in ensuring public safety.
“You have been our partners in crime prevention but this time, we have no doubt your performance will be tremendous. Rwanda National Police is committed to support you with all means possible to ensure that we collectively achieve our goal of making our people a crime-free society,” said SSP Kalisa.
He, however, seized the opportunity to urge them to abide by traffic rules saying that, “being part of ensuring safety means respecting road safety signs and riding responsibly while respecting roadside signs and other regulations.”
SSP Kalisa asked cyclists not carry items weighing more than 100kgs saying that such heavy loads can make them lose control leading to accidents.
He went on to advise them to be more vigilant at all time and be on the lookout and share timely information on suspicious or wrongdoers.
“You are now ambassadors in crime prevention, you should step out and educate people to fight and prevent crimes such as domestic and gender based violence, and drug abuse,” he said.
The head of Rubavu cyclists union, Valence Uwimana said the decision to form anti-crime clubs is to reinforce the existing cooperation with the police in community policing.
“These clubs will serve as channels for us to exchange information about public safety and also ensure we collaborate with the police in fighting crimes in our neighborhoods.”
He added that; “if our clients aren’t secure we aren’t secure either and our business will be affected. To ensure that we keep making money, we need to fight all sorts of crime at all times.”
With about 850 anti-crime clubs in schools, commercial cyclists and motorcyclists, Rwanda National Police considers this as one of the community policing strategies for the public to discuss how they can better address any security challenges in their neighbourhoods.
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