Rwanda National Police

Ndizeye Tito, a commercial motorcyclist in Kigali was arrested on November 8 in Kimisagara Sector for allegedly trying to seduce a Police officer with a bribe of Rwf20, 000.

Ndizeye’s criminal attempt was intended to unlawfully influence the officer to release his motorcycle TVS RC 464W, which had been impounded for various traffic-related offences, including having no driver’s license.

The motorcycle was impounded to Kimisagara Police station, where the suspect is also detained for alleged crime of bribery under article 641 of the Rwandan penal code.

The article 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 years to seven years and a fine of twice to ten times the value of the illegal benefit she offered or promised.

“Motorcyclists are among the majority road users that either cause or involved in fatal accidents, and some of them operate without driver’s license, and with no knowledge on road safety standards,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kabanda, the spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety department, said.

At least 18.5 percent and 28 percent of fatalities and serious injuries, respectively, registered between August and October, involved motorcyclists.

“There are continuous operations to take action against anyone violating traffic rules and regulations and putting people’s lives at risk. We understand that some of them attempt to offer bribes, and Ndizeye is one of many that have been arrested and prosecuted,” he added.