Rwanda National Police

Rwanda National Police (RNP) has strengthened its operations against drunk driving with 33 drivers arrested in the latest operations conducted between 26th and 29th August, in the City of Kigali.

The drivers were shown to the media this Monday, August 30, at Nyarugenge District Police Unit in Rwezamenyo Sector.

Paul Mutangana Nsengiyumva, one of the drivers said that he had taken a bottle of beer before he was arrested at about 9pm, in Kicukiro District for impaired driving.

?I took one bottle of beer when I was having my meals at a restaurant in Kabuga, I thought that one beer could not be detected but I was surprised when the Police tested the blood alcohol content with a breathalyzer and showed me that it was 2 millilitres,? Nsengiyumva said.

One is considered a drunk driver when the blood alcohol content goes beyond 0.8 milliliters.

?I have been in custody for five days now, and this might even result in dismissal from my job. I have learnt my lesson and I wish no one goes through the same situation, which is to do the right thing; not to drink and drive,? Nsengiyumva said.

Michel Shyirakera also claimed that he had taken one bottle of beer at home and that he tested 2.3 when Police stopped him as he was going back to work.

The Deputy RNP spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Africa Sendahangarwa Apollo warned that these are part of the daily Police operations to fight impaired driving and to prevent road fatalities caused by drunk driving.

 ?We always remind people that driving under the influence is a serious road safety violation and suicide. It is one of the avoidable behaviors causing fatal accidents. Police will continue to sensitize and educate the public on safer road usage but also ensure that such errant individuals putting lives of people at high risk, are penalized accordingly,? CSP Africa said.

He further warned drivers that the rules and regulations determining penalties to traffic offenders are currently under review, particularly on the serious issue of drunk driving with proposed cancellation of the driver?s permit for anyone caught for the offense.

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