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Police in Bugesera District is holding a man identified as Jean Nepo Twahirwa, 29, after he was arrested attempting to bribe a Police officer in order to release his relative who had been apprehended after he was caught in unlawful activities.
Twahirwa, a resident of Rurenge Cell in Mwogo Sector was arrested on January 23 at Nyamata Police station where he had gone to check on his brother, who had been caught with other people the previous day in connection with drug-related crimes.
Police said that on reaching at the station, Twahirwa tried to blind the eyes of the officer on duty with a bribe amounting to Rwf70, 000, but was instead apprehended.
“We have been conducting awareness campaigns against corruption, together with partners like Ombudsman office and Transparency International, through various means including in community gatherings and media and at this level, we expect everyone to be understanding the consequences if they are caught,” said Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, the Eastern region spokesperson, said.
“Police officers are aware that corruption is zero-stance in Police,” he added, commending the officer for acting professionally and walking the force’s talk to combat graft both in the force and the general public.
At least 100 people, majority drivers, have been arrested across the country since September last year in connection with attempting to bribe Police officers.
Article 641 of the penal code states that any person who explicitly or implicitly offers, proposes directly or indirectly a gift or any other illegal benefit, to a person in charge of a service, mission or mandate or who promises it in order to render a service or to refrain from carrying out any usual duties, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of more than five to seven years and a fine of twice to ten times the value of the illegal benefit he/she offered or promised
Meanwhile Police in Nyagatare District also intercepted a vehicle loaded with 60 cartons of Chief Waragi, a banned gin in Rwanda, and also apprehended another man who was caught with 20 litres of a crude gin called Kanyanga.
The driver was apprehended and currently detained at Karangazi police station for further investigations.
“You can escape today and do your illegal business like making, selling or using illicit drugs, but the campaign against drugs abuse is continuous and in one way or another, you will be arrested to face justice for the for the illegal actions,” IP Kayigi warned.
RNP is currently engaged in countrywide awareness against crimes like drugs abuse, human trafficking and corruption, to engage the general public through community policing, turn back the crimes.
Article 594 of the Rwandan penal code, stipulates that, any person who, unlawfully, makes, transforms, imports, or sells narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances within the country, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine of Rwf500,000 to Rwf5 million.
