English
Kinyarwanda
A 24-year-old man identified as Eugene Niyonshuti was arrested on April 29 for allegedly trying to bribe police officers to influence illegal services.
Niyonshuti’s criminal actions came after his motorcycle was impounded after he was found riding it even when he had no driver’s license.
“Earlier that day, Niyonshuti was found riding the motorcycle registration number RB 646I, without a permit, and the motorcycle was impounded,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for the Eastern region, said.
“However, instead of paying the fine he called the officer in charge and tried to seduce him with Rwf20, 000 to release his motorcycle, and he was immediately arrested. He is currently detained at Kibungo Police station although his case has been handed over to Rwanda Investigations Bureau,” he added.
Article 641 of the penal code stipulates that any person who directly or indirectly offers a gift in order to get an illegal service or refrain from carrying out any usual duties shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of five to seven years and a fine of twice or up to ten times the value of what they had offered in bribes.
CIP Kanamugire advised drivers and motorcyclists to always respect traffic rules and regulations to prevent fatalities that might arise out of their inappropriate action on the road.
He further advised them to instead clear penalties when they are caught in traffic related offences rather than committing criminal actions of bribery.
