{The Commissioner for Community Policing Department, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Damas Gatare, has urged former criminals to stand against crime and be exemplary residents in their communities. }
The group was known for notorious activities around Nyabugogo in Gasabo District, including theft, pickpocketing, conning and robbery.
During the meeting with 32 reformed criminals on 30 November, ACP Gatare reminded the young men that they should not waste their lives but instead be role models in society and advised them to be strict against any of their colleagues that may be tempted to go back to the habit.
“In our beautiful country, every citizen has what it takes to make their lives better and also improve their communities. My advice is that you should always shun evil, avoid putting your lives at stake and always guide your colleagues,” he said.
The meeting was held at the sector’s office in Nyamabuye cell and attracted several officials including Alphonse Nkuranga, the Executive Secretary for the National Youth Council, and the District Police Commander CSP Dan Ndayambaje.
The former criminals aged between 20 and 30 are grouped in their umbrella,” Hinduka uhindure abandi” translated as “Change yourself and change others” – and many of them recited their experience in a life of crime before they changed their ways.
The body’s president, Jean Damascene Niyonzima, who is also a former petty criminal, outlined the persistent crimes in the area including thuggery and petty crime, adding that his colleagues can now channel their energy and knowledge to contributing to the country’s development.
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