Huye–Gisagara Residents Praise Police for Curbing Surge in Nighttime Robberies

Residents in the districts of Huye and Gisagara, in Southern Province, say they are beginning to witness a notable improvement in security following intensified operations by the Rwanda National Police (RNP) and local authorities to combat a worrying rise in theft and armed robberies that had gripped the region in recent months.

For several weeks, communities in both districts had raised alarms over a sharp increase in nighttime burglaries, street muggings and household break-ins incidents that had left many residents anxious, fearful, and at times unable to move freely after dark. But today, many say the situation is finally stabilizing, thanks to stepped-up patrols, strengthened local policing, and growing collaboration between security organs and citizens.

Before the recent interventions, the rise in criminal activity had begun to disrupt daily life. Reports of thieves breaking into homes, stealing valuables such as laptops, phones, and cash, and targeting pedestrians walking at night had become increasingly common.

In Huye District’s Tumba Sector, residents had raised particular concern after a string of muggings in the Remera–Rwabuye area. “There was a period when we feared returning home late,”
said Josiane Mukeshimana, a resident of Tumba. “A group of young men had formed a habit of ambushing people on the road. But since the Police intensified operations, things have started to change.”

Similar fears were echoed in Gisagara District, where residents say criminal groups had become bolder and more disruptive. “I was once attacked at night and they stole my phone,”
recalled Jean Bosco Ndagijimana from Save Sector. “But now Police patrols are more visible. You can feel the difference we can breathe again.”

By early November, community meetings and local leadership reports showed that theft had become one of the most frequently raised security concerns, prompting coordinated action across sectors.

Local leaders say the new wave of joint security operations combining patrols, community policing, and information-sharing has already produced measurable impact.

In Kigembe Sector’s Gahoromani Village (Gisagara), Village Leader Vestine Mukandahiro says residents are now more willing to report suspicious activity. “People are no longer willing to ‘look the other way.’
Citizens have started giving information on time, and that has helped in arresting several suspects,”
she said.

Police officials confirm that community participation has played a decisive role in many arrests.

In recent security sweeps, the RNP says more than 27 suspects were arrested in Huye and Gisagara alone many of whom had been repeatedly linked to thefts around markets, crowded areas, and residential zones on the outskirts of Huye town.

Police Calls for Continued Community Involvement

The RNP’s Southern Region Spokesperson, CIP Hassan Kamanzi, emphasized that early reporting remains the most powerful tool in preventing crime. “Many of the crimes that occurred could have been prevented if timely information had been available.
We urge residents not to tolerate thieves report them immediately,”
he said.

Police say they will maintain heightened presence in the two districts as investigations continue and community policing committees strengthen their participation.

According to the 2024/2025 Judiciary Annual Report, theft remains among the leading offenses filed in Rwandan courts. The report recorded over 13,000 theft-related cases in a single year evidence that the crime continues to challenge communities nationwide.

Under Rwandan law, theft carries legal penalties of: 1 to 2 years imprisonment, A fine ranging from Rwf 1 million to Rwf 2 million

These penalties are designed to both deter offenders and reinforce the rule of law.

Local authorities stress that long-term security depends on residents remaining vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their neighborhoods.

In Ngoma Sector (Huye), Claudine Nyiraneza says community responsibility is irreplaceable. “We need to see ourselves as one family working for safety,”
she said. “If a neighbor sees something suspicious and keeps quiet, they are helping the criminals. Everyone must play a part.”

Many residents say they are now committed to strengthening neighborhood watch groups, sharing information with Police, and promoting unity as a tool against crime.

A Growing Sense of Safety Returns

As operations continue, community members in Huye and Gisagara express renewed confidence in security agencies hopeful that the calm returning to their neighborhoods will become permanent.

Local leaders have pledged to maintain close collaboration with Police and reinforce community education on crime prevention, encouraging citizens to remain alert and speak up whenever threats arise.