English
Kinyarwanda
Two employees of the Water and Sanitation Authority (WASAC) were on October 20, arrested for attempting to solicit bribes from a resident in Nyarutarama, Gasabo District.
The suspects were caught red-handed on October 20 as they were receiving a bribe worth Rwf40, 000 from a client.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects had threatened to disconnect water at the victim’s house in Nyarutarama for not paying water bills unless he gave them money.
The Police Spokesperson for Central Region, Superintendent of Police (SP) Modeste Mbabazi, revealed that once the bribe was solicited, the resident immediately alerted police.
“The resident had a debt of Rwf400, 000 to WASAC and had been notified that he would soon be disconnected if he did not pay clear the water bills. However, the two suspects approached him and asked for a bribe of Rwf40, 000 to keep him connected despite the notice,” SP Mbabazi said.
“He immediately alerted Police about the incident - and in response, we carried out investigations and captured the suspects yesterday (Monday) as they were receiving the bribe.”
The suspects are currently held at Remera Police Station pending further investigations.
SP Mbabazi noted that the act of public partnering with police to prevent and overcome corruption and other crimes is essential in safeguarding Rwanda’s economy, security and peace.
He also warned the public to desist from graft practices and misuse of government services, emphasizing that Rwanda is renowned for its zero-stance on corruption.
“There are clear channels through which services are received. Instead of paying bribes or soliciting for them, it is important to be professional and adhere to ethical conducts that respect laws and regulations,” he said.
Under article 644 of the penal code, “any person who explicitly or implicitly solicits, promises, or receives directly or indirectly a bribe or any other illegal benefit , affirming to exert an influence or acquaintance for another person to make a decision whether the bribe or benefit is for him/herself or somebody else, whether the exerted influence or acquaintance produces expected results or not, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of one to three years and a fine of twice to ten times the value of the illegal benefit solicited, promised or received.
Rwanda National Police maintains its zero-stance to graft in partnership with other institutions like the Ombudsman Office, Transparency International and the general public to fight against corruption.
