Rwanda National Police

Jean Pierre Nshimiyimana’s attempt to buy his way out of road traffic related offences landed him into custody for attempting to offer bribes to a Police officer.

Nshimiyimana had been found driving a vehicle that had no mechanical inspection certificate, when he tried to bribe the traffic officer with Rwf10, 000.

This happened on October 28 in Remera Sector of Gasabo District.

Narrating how the driver was arrested, the Traffic and Road Safety department spokesperson, Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kabanda said: “Driving a Volkswagen Golf with plate number RAC 803 C, Nshimiyimana was stopped by traffic officers as a usual road safety procedure. He didn’t have the motor vehicle inspection certificate and instead he tried to seduce the officer with Rwf10, 000, and the officers immediately arrested him.”

CIP Kabanda strongly warned the public against attempts to corrupt Police officers.

He reminded the public that “traffic officers are there to ensure your safety on the road”, and are required to ensure high level of professionalism and moral discipline to ensure the safety of everyone.

“We sensitize the public against corruption and bribery. This is a country and institution in particular that has a zero-stance on such vices and we must be fought by everyone. Rwanda National Police (RNP) has laid stringent measures against these evil practices and will not hesitate to apprehend anyone, who tries to demand or receive a bribe, as stipulated under articles 640, 641 and 642 of the Rwanda penal code,” CIP Kabanda said.

Demanding or receiving a bribe under article 641 attracts a sentence between five and seven years and s fine of twice to ten times the value of the illegal benefit offered or promised.

“Respect the traffic rules and regulations, and if you are caught violating any accept the penalties because if you try bribery means, you will be arrested for that offence to face the law.”

He explained that there are also police officers, who have been implicated in such malpractices and that they were also handed varied penalties.

“It takes nothing to respect the law or traffic rules and regulations in particular because it is in your best interest and the interest of other road users to be safe. Taking bribes is like subjecting automobiles to accidents and loss of lives, which is unacceptable.”