Man violating lockdown eaten by crocodile in Rwanda

A man in Rwanda who breached the ongoing lockdown to go fishing has been killed and eaten by a crocodile.

The mayor of the southern Kamonyi district Alice Kayitesi who confirmed the incident said it happened on Wednesday morning in Nyabarongo river. “He had broken the stay-home rule, he’s among very few people here who are not cooperating with the lockdown to stop the [corona]virus,” Ms Kayitesi was quoted by BBC as saying.

Rwanda’s government on Saturday imposed new measures that were meant to stop the spread of coronavirus as the country’s infections increase.

Rwanda’s prime minister issued a statement detailing some of the new measures taken to restrict movements. It said “Unnecessary movements and visits outside the home are not permitted excerpt for essential services such as healthcare, shopping or banking and for personnel performing such services.

“Borders are closed except for goods and cargos as well as returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.”

Travels also within cities in Rwandan have also been banned excerpt for essential services. Shops and markets have also been closed.

The statement said these restrictions are for the next two weeks. “Observing the global trend of the COVID-19 & considering the experiences of other countries, there is a clear need for additional steps to ensure that COVID-19 does not spread further in Rwanda.”

The following measures will be in force beginning at 23:59 on 21/03/2020 for 2 weeks,” the statement said.

Rwanda has so far confirmed 40 cases, the highest in the east African region. The government now wants to support those struggling to secure food following the lockdown.

Africa has so far has recorded over 2,000 cases of coronavirus across 43 countries with 64 deaths so far.