In Musanze District, 49 violators arrested over the weekend, were paraded on Monday, September 6, at the Northern Region Police Headquarters.
They include a group of 30 people, who were found in two separate bars drinking, 11 who were holding a wedding preparation meeting in a restaurant and eight who were in a house party.
Emmanuel Hakizimana, one of the violators found in bar drinking, claimed that he was influenced by friends.
“I received a call from my friend, who was already in the bar with other colleagues drinking. He asked me to join them which I did and that is where Police found us and arrested us for flouting the government directives,” Hakizimana said.
The Regional Police Civic Education Officer (RPCEO) for the Western region, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Alex Ndayisenga said that the violators were arrested during Police operations to enforce the Covid-19 prevention directives.
“The violators were arrested in a span of 3 days–between September 3rd and 5th. We appeal to the public to think twice in whatever they are going to do… it must be in line with the national Covid-19 prevention guidelines. Contrary, you will be arrested,” said CIP Ndayisenga.
Meanwhile, in Nyagatare District, 15 people were caught holding a prayer gathering in the wildernessin Mugari Village, Rutaraka Cell in Nyagatare Sector. The violators came from different religious denominations.
The Eastern region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdhuni Twizeyimana said that the violators were arrested due to a tip off by concerned local residents.
Jeany Ingabire, the Executive secretary for Nyagatare sector who was part of the enforcement team, told the violators that conducting such gatherings in prohibited undermines the government efforts against the pandemic.
All the violators were handed administrative fines and subjected to Covid-19 test at own costs.
The arrest of Safari Habimana, 27, followed information that he had registered one Vanessa Uwase as vaccinated.
Habimana was on Monday, September 6, showed to the media at Kigali Metropolitan Police Headquarters in Remera, Gasabo district.
He allegedly committed the offence as Kagugu health centre where he was charged with registering those who received Covid-19 jabs.
Uwase explained that they met on Instagram.
“We met on instagram last month and we kept in touch. He recently asked me if I had been vaccinated, when I said no, he told me that I would receive a message on my phone. I thought this was meant to help me get vaccinated but to my surprise, when I went to Gikondo Expo Ground for the Covid-19 jab they told me that I had already received my shots and that it was already recorded in the system,” said Uwase.
Habimana, on his part, argued that he imagined what he was doing would help his friend get vaccinated.
He claimed that he had no prior training on the data system since he was a volunteer and that all he was doing was to facilitate a friend.
RNP spokesperson, Commissioner of Police (CP) John Bosco Kabera said that the suspect was arrested following the alleged committed crime.
“This is one of the crimes committed by use of technology. The message to all those working in services meant to fight the pandemic of Covid-19 is that they should not take it for granted,” said CP Kabera.
He added: “First, they must know that it is not an easy job, therefore, if you have been appointed, recruited or volunteered for this responsibility, don’t abuse it for personal interests.”
CP Kabera reminded the public to adhere to the directives against the spread of Covid-19 pandemic.
Safari Habimana has been handed over to RIB for further legal process.
Article 276 of law determining offences and penalties states that; any person who, in any manner, forges or alters documents by forged signature or fingerprint, falsifying documents or signatures or impersonation, forging agreements, its provisions, obligations, or discharged obligations commits an offence.
Any person who, with fraudulent intention, produces a false written document, causes to write false statements or produces a conflicting declaration, is considered to commit the offence of forgery.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five (5) years but not more than seven (7) years and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million or only one of these penalties.
The Western region Police spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi said that Kwizera was arrested after he was reported by the would-be victim.
“Kwizera paid Rwf97, 000 at a beverage depot where he was buying drinks, but the attendant realized that four bills in the denominations of Rwf5000 were fake. Police was called in and the suspect was taken into custody,” CIP Karekezi said
Kwizera claims that he got all the Rwf97, 000 from three traders, who had hired him to buy the beverages for them from the depot.
CIP Karekezi said that law enforcement organs are still conducting related investigations to unearth the origin of the counterfeit currency notes and to bring all those connected to this crime to justice.
Kwizera has since been handed over to RIB at Bugarama station.
Article 269 of the law determining offences and penalties in general states that any person who, fraudulently counterfeits, falsifies or alters coins or bank notes which are legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, notes issued by the Treasury with its stamp or brand, either banknotes or alike that have legal tender in Rwanda or abroad, or one who introduces or issues in Rwanda such effects or notes with knowledge that they are forged or falsified, commits an offence.
Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than five years and not more than seven years.
The statement released last night shows that 377 people have caught the virus out of 12 180 sample tests while 3 recovered.
A total of 907,147 people have been fully vaccinated while 1,662,759 received the first dose of COVID-19 since Rwanda began countrywide inoculation program on 4th March 2021.
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.
The appointment has been announced in a communiqué released on Monday 6th September 2021 by the Prime Minister, Dr. Edouard Ngirente.
Among others, Col Jean Paul Nyirubutama has been appointed the Deputy Secretary General and Director General of External Intelligence and Security at the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
ACP Nkuranga has been assuming duties as the Director General of External Intelligence and Security at NISS since August 2020.
He once served as the Deputy Spokesperson of Rwanda National Police in 2018.
Jean Paul Nyirubutama who is among newly sworn in leaders was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Secretary General of NISS.
Kagame made the remarks today as he presided over the launch of the Judicial Year 2021/2022.
The President commended the judicial sector for tapping into the advantage of technology to continue handling court cases during trying times of COVID-19 pandemic.
He explained that the performance of judges reflects their advancing knowledge and prowess which capacitated them to deliver on efficiency.
Despite achieved milestone, more efforts are still needed to fight against crimes in the society.
Kagame has observed that it requires concerted efforts to win the fight.
“Let us talk about cyber-crimes increasing gradually and becoming sophisticated yet there is a way to reduce them. We should concert efforts and tackle these crimes together,” he said.
Kagame highlighted that the Government encourages Rwandans to embrace technology especially using mobile phones in trade and cashless transactions.
He stated that that strict measures are needed to protect unwitting members of the public against scammers.
“It is paramount to tighten measures to protect Rwandans particularly the ones with inadequate digital skills from falling easy preys to scammers and other fraudsters,” he noted.
Sexual Abuse and Gender Based Violence is among other alarming problems in Rwandan community.
Kagame called for tougher punishment to those who rape women and children and impregnate teenage girls.
“We should put all our efforts into fighting these crimes and ensure that they reduce significantly. The perpetrators of these crimes, their accomplices and those that protect them should face tough punishment to the extent that it might discourage anyone with similar intentions,” he said.
The annual report of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) released in 2020 shows that 48 809 women were victims of SGBV between 2016 and 2019.
Figures from the Ministry of Health also indicate that 17 849 teenagers were impregnated in 2016. The number was 17 337 in 2017, 19 832 in 2018 and 15 656 between January and August 2019.
Kagame has urged stakeholders of the justice sector to thoroughly handle court cases in accordance with laws. He also cautioned judges against bribery to promote professionalism and handle cases based on proven evidences.
“People go to courts hoping that the judges will listen to them, make judgments based on the evidence presented, and as provided for by the law. But we hear some in the justice sector still ask for bribes. This is unacceptable and must be stopped,” he said.
The incident has taken place in Nombe village, Terimbere cell, Nyundo sector of Rubavu district in Western Province.
IGIHE has learnt that unidentified thugs tried to force their way into the company’s premises and attempted to assault the security guard which triggered him to shot one of them while another thug ran away.
The Executive Secretary of Nyundo sector, Aron Habimana has confirmed the incident.
“Two thugs armed with machetes stormed the company to rob steel products which they were not doing for the first time. As they reached gates, a security guard stopped them. Instead of obeying his order, they attempted to stab him with their machetes. He shot one thug as a way of self-defense leaving another one running away,” he said.
The Spokesperson of Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Thierry B. Murangira has revealed that the security guard aged 42 has been arrested as investigation gets underway.
“RIB has launched investigation to establish circumstances under which the shooting happened,” he noted.
The security guard is detained at Kanama RIB Post awaiting further investigation before transferring his files to the Prosecution.
These include the Minister of the newly created Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr. Jean Damascène Bizimana; the Army Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mubarak Muganga; the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Juvénal Malizamunda; the Deputy Secretary General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), Col Jean Paul Nyirubutama and the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kagame urged sworn-in leaders to build on existing achievements and leverage lessons learnt from the past to continue building the nation with self-less dedication.
“Nation building is every Rwandan’s responsibility because this country belongs to all of us. These responsibilities are not new to us. We have experienced a lot to help us not repeat our past mistakes. Instead, we need to devise new, innovative ways that are adept to the times we are in and deliver on our promises,” he said.
“We already have a solid foundation that we must now build on to achieve even more. This is where our country gets its strength,” added Kagame.
Dr. Bizimana who previously served as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG) was named Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement on 31st August following the creation of the Ministry on 14th July 2021.
Among others, Lt General Mubarakh Muganga was promoted from the rank of Major General in June this year and appointed Army Chief of Staff.
Marizamunda who also served as the Deputy Commissioner General of Police (DCGP) in charge of Administration and Finance, Juvénal Marizamunda was appointed Commissioner General of the Rwanda Correctional Services (RCS) in April 2021 replacing CGP George Rwigamba who had held the office since March 2016.
Marizamunda was replaced by Jeanne Chantal Ujeneza who had been serving as the RCS Deputy Commissioner General prior her new appointment.
Meanwhile, Jean Paul Nyirubutama who is also among newly sworn in leaders was promoted from the rank of Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel in June 2021 and appointed Deputy Secretary General of NISS.
The campaign is set to run on TV, radio and digital platforms throughout the month of September and is designed to highlight the simplicity of the app, and the advantages of using all the exciting features.
‘’We established early in the year that there was a need for an above the line Pan African campaign to raise the awareness of our Super App and its features” said Olivier Prentout, ayoba Head of Customer Marketing.
He explained that the app will appeal to many on the continent stressing the need to go above the line ‘to raise the profile of our product’ despite its presence for the last 2 years on many digital platforms.
“In building the campaign, we had to look at what unites our African users, rather than what divides them. We had to show them that they can find everything they need in our all-in-one app. This approach has brought us a textured and innovative campaign, and we are very proud of it. We are also very appreciative to launch this campaign with the full support of MTN Rwanda,” noted Prentout.
The TV campaign is supported by radio as well as outdoor, print and on-ground activations through our unique trade tool. The message is simple – ayoba has everything you need in an ‘all-in-one app’.
“This campaign is vibrant and relevant for our market,” commented Yaw Ankoma Agyapong MTN Rwanda Chief Consumer and Digital Officer.
“It’s sure to appeal to all the youth in Rwanda. Today, the adoption of ayoba in Rwanda is still growing, and this campaign couldn’t have come at a better time. A time when we are still socially distanced and unable to enjoy face-to-face interactions, ayoba gives you chat and call options, music, games, news like IGIHE.com and other fun features in one convenient location. It’s truly your all-in-one app. The campaign easily explains how ayoba works and how to join by downloading it on either Google playStore or iOS App store. Once more, using the ayoba application is at no data charge on the MTN network – what better way to stay connected with loved ones.”
Ayoba continues to grow content partnerships with various partners in the country.
Ayoba users now have access to a range of channels from 2020 Tokyo Olympics, allowing subscribers read & watch the ongoing competitions, the latest on the English Premier League, Music Time with the latest in local and international artists, to local media outlets such as Igihe.
{{About ayoba}}
Since its launch in May 2019, ayoba has reached 8 million of monthly active users in June 2021. Ayoba offers users free access to an ecosystem of digital and rich media services through channels, micro-apps and payment solutions, embedded within an African super-app. Ayoba is highly localised and tailored for African and Middle East consumer needs, supporting 22 relevant languages.
Users can send and receive encrypted messages, share photos, videos, files and voice notes and can also subscribe to live channels. Family friendly localised content is available through curated channels aimed at entertaining, educating and empowering communities as well as a range of games. Ayoba is available for Android users on the Google PlayStore, on iOS (AppleStore) as well as the Transsion, Huawei, Samsung and BeMobi stores. Users can also download the app on our website (ayoba.me).
{{About MTN Rwanda}}
MTN Rwandacell PLC (MTN Rwanda) is the market leader in mobile telecommunications in Rwanda. Since 1998, we have continuously invested in expanding and modernising our footprint and are the country’s No 1 network. MTN Rwanda offers various innovative services to consumers and enterprises, including personalised voice, data, home and fixed connectivity solutions. The company is also the front runner in Mobile Financial Services in Rwanda delivered through its FinTech subsidiary, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd.
Speaking to IGIHE, the Executive Secretary of Gisenyi sector, Jean Bosco Tuyishime has confirmed the accident and advised drivers to remain vigilant.
“The accident took place today morning around 6a.m as the driver approached the town. The vehicle’s brake failed and hit the fence of Gisenyi Hospital leaving one of two persons onboard dead while another one is receiving medical attention. I would like to extend thanks to Police Fire and Rescue department which intervened shortly after the accident,” he said.
Another accident took happened at the same location in February this year when a truck with Tanzanian number plate hit the fence of Gisenyi Hospital claiming two lives.
