Rubavu cyclists form anti-crime club

Less than a week after COTMERU, a commercial motorcycle cooperative in Rubavu District formed an anti-crime club; another cooperative of taxi-moto operators in the same district has reinforced the community policing drive by also establishing a second club to further improve safety in the area.

COCTMO cooperative composed of over 150 commercial motorcyclists formed the anti-crime club on November 25, which members believe will not only facilitate safety of their business but also the safety of the district. Members believe  that through this club, they will further take the lead in implementing crime prevention innovations and intervention efforts as part of their overall response to community safety and security.

The motorcyclists elected Isaie Nzayisenga, one of their members, as the coordinator of their anti-crime club. The event was also attended by Police and local leaders.Speaking after being elected, Nzayisenga told his colleagues that; “We have been contributing to crime prevention but on an individual level, but with this club we will share ideas and collectively we will achieve a lot.”He challenged his colleagues to respect the rules governing their profession, be vigilant not to aid criminality by transporting wrongdoers and strengthen their collaboration with law enforcers by providing information on suspected criminals or crime.

“This club will also help us hold each other to account and ensure we streamline our profession.  We are the primary beneficiaries of a secure environment if we are to lead, we must be exemplary “he said.This is the third anti-crime club formed by motorcyclists in the last few weeks after the first one established by those operating in Nyabihu to also boost the community policing initiatives in the district.

Inspector of Police (IP) Janvier  Nsana, the District Community Liaison Officer of Rubavu thanked the motorcyclists for taking a step further to prevent criminality by being agents of community policing.“Your colleague formed a similar club last week and we are thankful of your contribution in strengthening security in your neighborhoods” IP Nsana said.