RFL calls for local government’s efforts to combat illicit brews

By The Inspirer writer.

Rwanda Forensic Laboratory (RFL) has called local government and security organs to increase efforts in combating illicit brews that contribute to the rise of crimes especially those involving beating and injuring.

The message was conveyed in Kigali on August 24, 2022 during the ongoing Menya RFL Campaign organized by Rwanda Forensic Laboratory.

Dr. Charles Karangwa, RFL Director General said that illicit brews are the main causes of high crimes including beating and injuring.

“Nowadays, you cannot differentiate a 20-year old from an old man, because his face looks old due to excessive consumption of illicit brews.

Dr. Karangwa requested local government leaders in the City of Kigali to conduct effective assessment on traders of foods and beverages to make sure that they have safety certifications.

Addressing participants to the campaign bout the evidence of how illicit brews are harmful, Dr. Karangwa shared an example of a case of people who died after having consumed an illicit brew called ‘Kibamba’ that was produced by one brewery in Kicukiro District, noting that the brew was not tested for safety.

He added that apart from the case mentioned, many other kinds of brews involved hazardous health conditions to consumers in the recent years. These include the ones given names of ‘Muriture’, ‘Imbutabuta’ and ‘Teshumutwe’ among others.

RFL explained that the majority of cases taken to their offices include those of beating and injuring as results of drinking illicit brews.

The Mayor of the City of Kigali, Pudence Rubingisa said that there is a hope that such crimes will come down after the successful campaign of RFL.

 “This was the RFL campaign, but, as our role as local government, we are going to take the message to the general public to know the package of these services provided at RFL to make sure that every citizen at the grassroots is informed,” Rubingisa said.

He added that they will build strong partnership between RFL, security organs and local government institutions to get rid of illicit brews.

Currently, about 16,000 cases of beating and injuring were brought to Rwanda Forensic Laboratory.

The article 151 of the Penal Code stipulates that a person found guilty of beating, injuring or killing a person will face a term of imprisonment of between 10 and 15 years.

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