English
Kinyarwanda
Police in Kayonza District have arrested a suspected impostor who guised as a lawyer to participate in court proceedings illegally.
The suspect, Emmanuel Hategekimana, was arrested on June 23, during a session at Rukara Primary Court, where he had represented the Kayonza Seventh Day Adventist Church in a civil case.
Police Spokesperson for the Eastern Province, Inspector of Police Emmanuel Kayigi, said that upon request by the court to verify his authenticity as a lawyer, Hategekimana could not present any documents – which led to his immediate arrest.
“The suspect did not have documents indicating that he is a lawyer or that he belongs to the Bar Association – and this led to his immediate arrest. Such impersonation acts contribute to injustice and lawlessness,” IP Kayigi said.
He added that the suspect is currently held at Rukara Police Station pending further investigations.
Inspector Kayigi warned against such acts and urged the public to provide timely reports against any suspicious individuals who undermine offices of authority through impersonation in order to illegally access or offer services.
“Police is alert and knows the tricks that criminals use including the use of fake IDs and presentation of forged documents. RNP endeavors to continue working together with the community to ensure that such acts are brought to an end.”
Under article 616 of the penal code “Any person without capacity who usurps public, civil or military duties, performs duties of one of these services or falsely acquires the powers of a public officer or publicly wears a costume, gown, uniform or an emblem with intent to mislead the public, shall be liable to imprisonment of one year to three years and a fine of Rwf50,000 to Rwf500,000”.
