Foreign Students Arrested for Beating Motorcycle Riders in Kigali
Rwanda Police have arrested several foreign students in Gatenga Sector, located in Kicukiro District, Kigali, for allegedly beating local motorcycle taxi riders (abamotari).
According to a statement posted on Rwanda Police’s official social media pages, the suspects are students from UNILAK University, though the police did not mention their nationalities.
The Police confirmed that the suspects are currently detained at Kicukiro Police Station while investigations continue in cooperation with other relevant institutions.
Police Warn Against Violence and Urge Citizens to Report Cases
In their message, Police urged citizens to report any violent incidents immediately and assured that such criminal behaviors will not be tolerated.
“Those arrested are being held at Kicukiro Police Station as we continue working with relevant institutions to take appropriate legal action,”
Police stated.
The Police also reminded the public that timely information sharing helps maintain peace and security across communities.
You can read more about Rwanda Police’s community safety initiatives on their official website.
Violence Involving Foreigners Has Happened Before
This is not the first time foreigners have been accused of violence in Kigali. In December 2024, the issue became widely discussed after several incidents involving foreign youth groups were reported.
At the time, Minister of Foreign Affairs Olivier Nduhungirehe posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling on young people to avoid violent or provocative behavior.
He wrote:
“Violence among young people has no place in Rwandan society. Hate speech against South Sudanese or any nationality goes against Rwandan values.”
Locals Report Growing Tensions
Residents living near areas where many foreign students stay have often complained about their behavior, especially public drunkenness and fights.
Some motorcycle riders shared that they sometimes face attacks or robbery attempts from passengers who refuse to pay.
One rider in Kicukiro told local media that some passengers “pretend to pay, then start fighting when asked for money.”
Such incidents have increased tension between locals and some foreign residents, prompting more police patrols to ensure safety.
Rwanda Police Record More Foreign Nationals Involved in Crimes
In August 2025, Rwanda Police reported that in the previous 12 months, 240 foreign nationals were handed over to judicial authorities for crimes like assault, theft, and violence.
Additionally, 64 foreigners were deported to their home countries after being found guilty of various offenses.
Police said they will continue to monitor all cases closely and take strong measures to protect the safety of Rwandans and all residents.
For further updates, visit KT Press Rwanda for local security news.
Authorities Encourage Peaceful Coexistence
Officials continue to urge both locals and foreign residents to live peacefully and respect Rwanda’s laws.
They stressed that Rwanda remains a country that welcomes foreigners — but anyone breaking the law will face justice.
Police promised to keep working with communities, especially motorcycle cooperatives, to prevent violence and protect all road users.
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