The footage began spreading on social media platforms such as X (Twitter), Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok on October 7, 2025, prompting many to question how the confrontation between the two escalated into a physical fight.

One of the people who posted the video on social media wrote on X account: "This person fighting the police what kind of punishment do you think he deserves, honestly?"

Rwanda National Police spokesperson, ACP Boniface Rutikanga, said the incident occurred when traffic police officers tried to stop the man because he was about to commit an offense, but he refused to comply.

He explained: "The person seen in the video was prevented from crossing at a zebra crossing while cars were moving. He was asked to stop, but he refused, forcing the officers to use reasonable force. It is suspected he was under the influence of alcohol."

ACP Rutikanga added that security agencies are following up on the matter to establish the facts and take appropriate measures.

He said: "The case is being investigated to ensure proper action is taken. We appreciate the citizens who tried to assist the officers in preventing an act that could have caused an accident."

In the video that went viral, the civilian is seen fighting with a traffic police officer, who eventually brings him down, while voices of nearby onlookers can be heard shouting, “Stop fighting!” and others saying, “He looks drunk!”

As of now, full details of the incident have not yet been made public, and authorities are still working to identify exactly what happened and who was responsible for the altercation between the civilian and the police officer.