Rwanda National Police

Just a few days after the new COVID-19 preventive measures were put in place, including the closing of all bars, Antoine Uwimana, a resident of Rutsiro District, Musasa Sector, was caught red-handed selling alcohol contrary to the guidelines set by Rwanda Development Board (RDB).

Uwimana had turned his restaurant into a bar.

Expecting his penalty to be loosened, he tried to bribe the police officers with Rwf5,000.

This incident, according to Chief Inspector of Police Bonaventure Twizere Karekezi, the Police spokesperson of the Western region, happened on Saturday, August 29, when officers from Ruhango Police station were inspecting the compliance of the COVID-19 prevention measures.

When they reached in Gisiza cell, Musasa sector, they found out that Uwimana had started a bar in his restaurant.

“He was pouring local brew when the officers reached there. Others were taking alcohol, without respecting any COVID-19 preventive measures. The officers told him to close the establishment immediately, but he rushed to bribe one of them instead, which prompted his immediate arrest,” CIP Karekezi narrated.

He further warned people involved in bribery to stop or face the wrath of the law.

“This man was caught red-handed violating the COVID-19 preventive measures, and then went further to bribe Police officers so as to cover his violations.”

The spokesperson requested the public to comply with the measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

He reminded the residents that whoever violates the directives will be punished accordingly.

Uwimana was handed over to Rwanda Investigation Bureau at Ruhango station.

Article 4 of law 54/2018 of 13/08/2018 that fights corruption says that whoever demands, gives out or receives in any way, a bribe, when convicted by the court of law, is punished with an imprisonment of more than five years but not more than seven years, with a fine of threefold to fivefold the bribe they demanded or received.

A number of bar and restaurant owners were also arrested last week, due to the violation of the COVID-19 prevention measures.