Thierry Niyorurema was arrested on Sunday in Remera Sector, where he was found slaughtering one of the cows stolen recently.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that the cow which Niyorurema was found slaughtering was stolen the previous night in the neighboring Kibungo Sector, also in Ngoma.
“When the victim identified as Jeannette Mukansengimana reported the theft to Police on Sunday morning, all Police stations in Ngoma were put on alert,” CIP Twizeyimana said.
“Residents of Rurenge Sector later called the Police at Rurenge station reporting people, who had crossed to Remera sector with a cow, which they suspected was stolen. Rurenge and Remera Police station worked together and arrested Niyorurema while slaughtering the cow,” he added.
The spokesperson said that Niyorurema, who runs butchery in Remera, didn’t use the usual known local abattoir; he instead slaughtered the cow from the bush where he was arrested in the act.
Meanwhile, Niyorurema said he bought the cow from another man, whose particulars he didn’t disclose.
“Law enforcement agencies are working together to arrest and bring to justice all those connected to this crime,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
He, however, said that cattle theft in the region has reduced due to increased operations in the recent past and community policing, which led to the arrest of many rustlers.
Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that some parents and guardians tend to engage minors in hard labor or commercial activities when in holidays, which amounts to “child labor and punishable by law.”
“We must protect children, as a community, from abusing narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, or drinking alcoholic beverages. We should not turn them into all-time babysitters or subject them to hard domestic chores; in stone quarries and mines as well as tea plantations; protect them from markets where they are sent for commercial activities,” CP Kabera said.
On Sunday, Police and local leaders in Gakenke District found 35 minors aged between 9 and 15 years, going to Vunga market carrying heavy luggage and produce including sugarcane and banana. Most of them were in company of their parents.
“Children can always help their parents but not in a way that breaks the law and deprives the children of their rights. We urge parents and Rwandans in general to ensure that these children enjoy their holidays in a peaceful and secure manner, protect them from anything unlawful and harmful to their lives and their future,” said CP Kabera.
“We need to protect children from criminal exploitation, human trafficking and modern slavery; share information if you suspect that your neighbor employs children as domestic workers, those who subject them to corporal punishment in form of disciplining or use them in hazardous activities.”
He further reminded organizers of entertainment events, owners and managers of entertainment spots not to allow children less than 18 years of age into their premises, and not to serve them alcoholic beverages.
The law relating to the protection of the child, in its article 27, states that a person, who sells alcoholic beverages or tobacco to a child, causes or encourages a child to drink alcoholic beverages, to smoke or to go to bars commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he or she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than three months but not exceeding six months and a fine between Rwf100, 000 and Rwf200, 000.
Mrs. Kagame was speaking at the Global Gender Summit during a high-level panel session themed; “Realizing a Demographic Dividend through Investments in Gender Equality”, which tackled priority interventions in addressing persisting gender inequalities.
Despite the solid role that they have historically played in societies, Mrs. Kagame said women have been disempowered.
“Growing up I thought and I actually believed, that ‘what a man can do, a woman can do just as well.’ I maintain that stand,” she said.
“As fate would have it, the irony of our dark history, suddenly threw our women into a multitude of roles, as they had to be the mothers, husbands, fathers, brothers, comforters and guardians,” she added.
Mrs. Kagame emphasized that sustainable socio-economic growth can be achieved when everyone’s full contribution to the economy is given its rightful value and when access to health, education, profitable opportunities and financial inclusion are no longer the privilege of a selected few.
First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, highlighted an example of how investing in female health workers can particularly drive economic value for countries, something she said her country has experienced.
“We have seen the impact their (women) work has given us as Kenya. I have seen how trained healthcare community workers have played a critical role in filling the gap to alleviate health staff shortages,” she noted.
Mrs. Kenyatta said that women face similar challenges that limit their ability to engage in development as equal citizens.
The challenges include lack of access to credit, lack of influence due to low representation in decision-making positions, lack of control or ownership of productive assets like land, and lack of financial control to make spending decisions on education and health, among others.
“In Kenya, we envisage a country where every woman and girl enjoys gender equality; a country where all legal, social and economic barriers that hinder the progress of women and girls’ are removed,” she noted.
The session featured a panel discussion which observed that women still face barriers to access sexual and reproductive health and rights and access to labor market opportunities, among other things.
The 2019 GGS takes place at the Kigali Convention Center between 25-27 November 2019 under the theme “Unpacking constraints to gender equality”.
It is hosted by the Government of Rwanda in collaboration with African Development Bank.
The 2019 GGS focuses on three key dimensions to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment: scaling up innovative financing; fostering an enabling environment (legal, regulatory & institutional); and ensuring women’s participation & voices.
These dimensions will be articulated around three main thematic areas: climate change, private sector development, and human capital and productive employment.
The digital revolution will also be addressed throughout the sessions as a cross-cutting theme.
The fresh reminder follows incidents in Lake Burera on Saturday when two boats capsized.
Marine Unit Commanding Officer (CO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Elias Mwesigye said that earlier that morning at about 5 am, two boats left Kinyababa sector carrying traders going to Kirambo market, with their goods.
One of the boats carried five people, while three others were in the second boat.
“The boats were washed away by strong wind and capsized. All traders who had life jackets survived and were rescued; however, a mother and her one-and-half year child drowned,” ACP Mwesigye said.
The body of the child was recovered while the search for the mother is still underway.
The CO explained that the deceased was trying to withdraw the child from the back so as to swim and both drowned in the process.
“Everyone using water transport or any business in waters, like fishing, must wear a life jacket as a policy; that jacket is your life when in waters, so no one should be forced to wear it… it should be your primary responsibility to take your safety first,” ACP Mwesigye emphasized.
He further urged those using water transport to always not force through bad weather, which is risky.
He was arrested after breaking into the shop of one Phocas Nkurunziza located in Nyirangarama Cell, Bushoki Sector.
Nkizamacumu is also said to have broken into another shop in Muyongwe Sector, Gakenke District, on November 17, where he stole money and goods.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alexis Rugigana, the Northern region Police spokesperson, said that Nkizamacumu was found with some goods stolen from Nkurunziza’s shop.
“Nkizamacumu was found in possession of 130kgs of sorghum, 50kgs of beans, a radio and Rwf40, 000, all stolen from Nkurunziza’s shop. He has been handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau at Bushoki station with exhibits,” said CIP Rugigana.
He thanked residents who called the Police immediately after witnessing the crime and called for continued partnership and real time information sharing on such wrongdoers.
Theft, under article 166 of the law determining offences and penalties, is punishable with an imprisonment of between one and two years, and a fine ranging between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million; community service of up to six months or one of these penalties.
The suspects; two men and two women were arrested during a Police targeted operation conducted Thursday.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for Eastern region identified the suspects as Eric Mwiseneza, 21, Clement Ndahiro, 23, Claudine Uwera, 24, and Leoncie Umurerwa, 20.
“There was information from victims and witnesses about a group of boys and girls in Nyamata town, who ambush people late in the evening and snatch their valuables,” said CIP Twizeyimana.
“With the help of residents, the wrongdoers were identified and arrested on Thursday. They were arrested on the same spot where they had also set an ambush to steal from other people,” he added.
One of the victims, Joseph Hakizimana, said that on November 11, the same group attacked him in the evening and forcefully took his two handsets worth Rwf80, 000, each.
Another victim Ntwari Abdallah, who also identified the same suspects as his attackers, said they ambushed him and took his two mobile phones, two pairs of shoes and a cap. Ntwari had just bought the stolen items in Nyamata town.
The suspects, who admitted to the crimes, said that they were targeting people with valuables like mobile phones, necklaces, shoes and jackets as well as women handbags and others bags they suspect to be containing worthy goods, which they later sell on black market in Nyamata town.
CIP Twizeyimana thanked residents, who facilitated successful operations to identify and arrest the prime suspects and called for continued information sharing on people they suspect to be engaged in such criminal tendencies.
Theft, under article 166 of the law determining offences and penalties, is punishable with an imprisonment of between one and two years, and a fine ranging between Rwf1 million and Rwf2 million; community service of up to six months or one of these penalties.
The pass-out was held at the Canine Brigade headquarters in Masoro, Gasabo District.
The one-month training focused on basic explosive and narcotic detection and kennel management. It was conducted in partnership with the Police Dog Center of Holland.
DIGP Marizamunda thanked the course participants, the facilitators and the Canine brigade for the successful completion of the training.
He commended the canine specialists for the important role they play in supplementing national safety and security.
“We all know that the primary responsibility of the Police and other security organs is to make sure that there is peace and security in the country as they are the pre-condition for sustainable development. You play a significant role in ensuring that security,” DIGP Marizamunda said.
He, however, reminded participants that the criminal landscape is becoming more complex and challenging, especially with criminals taking advantage of advancement of technology.
“Criminals are dynamic, they are now using technology; capacity building must be the priority to ensure we always stay many steps ahead of criminals. The course you end today fits well in that objective,” he added.
He emphasized that Rwanda National Police (RNP) will continue to invest in capacity building, acquire more dogs and expand areas of specialization such as apprehension and attack dogs.
RNP, he further said, will continue to upgrade Canine Brigade infrastructure including training facilities and developing a dog breeding center.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benoit Kayijuka, Canine Brigade Commanding Officer said that the training was designed to equip police officers with the required standard skills and knowledge for effective use of dogs while searching.
“RNP is strengthening the Canine capabilities. These officers completing training today have been taught the maintenance of gear and kennel, handler safety, canine health and welfare, search techniques, among others. The acquired knowledge will help us in our daily duties,” ACP Kayijuka said.
Andres Isaksson, the chief trainer from the Police Dogs Centre Holland commended the discipline, commitment and energy displayed by the trainees.
“Dogs have the ability to perform better, under the supervision of more experienced handlers,” Andres noted.
Police Constable (PC) Nadine Ingabire, one of the course participants said that she learned many things and she is committed to use the knowledge acquired.
“Before coming here I did not know that dogs obey and respect orders given. My dog searches for explosives and it is interesting to work with it. I am now familiar with it, we form a team and we are ready to work for our country,” PC Ingabire said.
K-9 means a dog that is specifically trained to assist Police and other law enforcement personnel in, for example, searching for drugs and explosives, locating missing people, finding crime scene evidence, and protecting their handlers.
Dr. Binagwaho has been appointed alongside Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sahel Consulting: Agriculture & Nutrition Ltd., headquartered in Nigeria.
“It is a pleasure to welcome Agnes and Ndidi to our Board of Trustees. As the Foundation works to lift up the most vulnerable people in communities around the world, their deep global development expertise and longstanding commitment to improving lives will be invaluable to the organization,” said Board Chair Richard D. Parsons.
Dr. Binagwaho has served as Vice Chancellor of the University of Global Health Equity, an initiative of Partners In Health, since 2017.
From 2002-2016, she served the Rwandan Health Sector in high-level government positions, first as the Executive Secretary of Rwanda’s National AIDS Control Commission, then as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, and later spent five years as the Minister of Health.
Dr. Binagwaho is also a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Global Health and Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School, a Professor of the Practice of Global Health Delivery at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda, and an Adjunct Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.
She completed her MD in General Medicine at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles and her MA in Pediatrics at the Universite de Bretagne Occidentale.
“Agnes has helped change the national health landscape as a member of the government of Rwanda, and is an important leader in the field of global health,” said Dr. Rajiv J. Shah, President of The Rockefeller Foundation.
« I have long admired the work of the Rockefeller Foundation and I am delighted to join the Board of Trustees. The Foundation’s work advancing new frontiers, especially with respect to health and science, continues to touch the lives of so many around the world, and I look forward to helping support the advancement of that work, » said Dr. Agnes Binagwaho.
The Rockefeller Foundation’s mission to inspire and foster large-scale human impact that promotes the well-being of humanity throughout the world; it’s efforts to scale innovations that help meet the needs of the most vulnerable communities around the world are just as important now as they were when the foundation was founded.
The Rockefeller Foundation was established in 1913 and was ranked the 39th largest foundation by total giving in the United States in 2015.
The 20 ambulances acquired through Imbuto Foundation under Baho Neza project, worth around Rwf 1 billion Rwandan francs and were donated to the hospitals and health centres in most need, to enhance Rwanda’s efforts in decreasing maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates as one of the goals of the Baho Neza project.
From the recent assessment done by the Ministry of Health, almost half of the fleet is old and there is a gap of around 174 ambulances if these old ambulances are to be replaced to meet the Health Sector Strategic Plan (HSSP) 4 target.
The Ministry of Health aims at ensuring that at least one ambulance is available for every 40,000 citizens. In order to reach this target, the MOH has engaged districts for more ownership in terms of planning and budgeting for new ambulances each fiscal year in order to replace the old fleet.
The recipients of the new ambulances were advised to keep improving the fleet management, ensure proper maintenance of the cars and work with the districts to come up with a strategic replacement plan.
