Police and local leaders found the group at about 11am, congregating in the home of one Francoise Kamayumugisha located in Matimba Village, Matimba Cell, Matimba Sector.

Kamayumugisha, also arrested, was heading the religious service at her home.

Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Hamdun Twizeyimana, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said that the worshippers belong to eight different religious denominations; catholic church, Seventh Day Adventist, Anglican, Victory, Methodist, Eglise Louange, Vivante and Pentecostal.

"They came from Matimba and Musheri sectors in Nyagatare District. We are thankful for members of Rwanda youth volunteers in community policing, who reported the prohibited gathering. The violators were in the house with doors closed, singing, no face masks and were congested in a small room," said CIP Twizeyimana.

CIP Twizeyimana advised the public to comply with the national Covid-10 prevention directives and go to churches that were allowed to resume.

The violators were taken to Nyagatare Police station where they were tested for Covid-19 at their own cost and handed administrative fines.

The violators were taken to Nyagatare Police station where they were tested for Covid-19 at their own cost and handed administrative fines.