The house where the group had congregated, located in Musezero Cell, Nyakariba Village is owned by one Christine, who fled from the scene during the operation.

Prayer gatherings, worship services and visits are among the prohibited activities to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Rwanda National Police (RNP) spokesperson, CP John Bosco Kabera said that the violators belong to different religious denominations.

"They came from the sectors of Gisozi and Kinyinya. They include 20 women and eight men as well as children. The group was congested in a small room and there are higher chances that one infected person could have easily infected all others," said CP Kabera.

He added: "They came from different places and no one knew the status of the other, most of them had no masks, they were congregating in a congested room so there was no social distancing and no hand washing container, meaning none of them washed their hands on arrival. You can image the extent of the spread if they all went back to their communities infected," CP Kabera reckoned.

He warned against such reckless behaviours and cautioned parents, who expose their children to such risks.

CP Kabera thanked members of the public, who continue to report such malpractices.