The Rwanda National Police has taken into custody five individuals accused of creating content for social media platforms by performing dangerous stunts on public roads. The suspects were presented by police on Friday last week in connection with a growing trend of high-risk online challenges locally known as “gutwika.” This trend has raised concerns about public safety and the potential for accidents.
One of the suspects, a TikTok creator known as “Coppergang” from Rusizi District, was filmed in several clips lying flat on a public road while cars and motorcycles drove over his stomach and legs. Police said he has been detained and that tests conducted on him detected cannabis. This incident has sparked outrage and concern among the public, with many calling for stricter regulations on social media content.
Another suspect, known as Shoferi Karatika, was filmed driving a truck before jumping out of the moving vehicle, running alongside it and climbing back inside while it was still in motion. This stunt has been widely condemned, with many questioning the recklessness and disregard for human life. The police have also arrested two other suspects involved in road stunts that put themselves and others at risk.
The arrests were made as part of ongoing efforts by Rwanda National Police to curb reckless behaviour on public roads and promote responsible road use. SSP Emmanuel Kayigi, spokesperson for the Traffic and Road Safety department, condemned the behaviour and warned content creators against using public roads as stages for entertainment. He emphasized the need for social media users to produce content that educates and benefits the public.
The police have urged social media users to produce content that promotes public safety and responsibility, rather than seeking attention through dangerous acts that others could imitate. The five suspects remain in custody as police investigate possible violations of traffic regulations and public safety laws. The incident has sparked a wider conversation about the role of social media in promoting public safety.
The trend of high-risk online challenges has been growing in Rwanda, with many young people participating in stunts that put themselves and others at risk. The police have warned that they will continue to crack down on reckless behaviour and promote responsible road use. The incident has also raised concerns about the impact of social media on youth culture and behaviour.
The Rwanda National Police has reiterated its commitment to promoting public safety and responsible road use. The arrests of the five TikTok creators are part of a broader effort to address the growing trend of high-risk online challenges. The police have called on social media users to use their platforms responsibly and promote public safety.
Key points
- The Rwanda National Police arrested five TikTok creators for staging high-risk stunts on public roads.
- The suspects were involved in stunts that put themselves and others at risk, including lying down on a public road while cars drove over him.
- The police have urged social media users to produce content that educates and benefits the public, rather than seeking attention through dangerous acts.
