Rwanda National Police

Police in Nyabihu District have arrested a suspected impersonator only identified as Bakundufite, 26, who was masquerading as a police officer and soliciting a bribe of Rwf50, 000.

He was taken into custody on Friday July 10, in Rugera Sector when he was found receiving the money from the would-be victim, Eugénie Mujawamungu, 38.

Bakundufite, who was guising as a Police officer had demanded the Rwf50, 000 from Mujawamungu in order to facilitate the release of his husband, Frodouard Nshimiyimana, 38, who was arrested on July 8, in Rugera Sector for allegedly dealing in illicit brew.

According to Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Bonaventure Karekezi, the Police spokesperson of Western region, Bakundufite was arrested red-handed on Friday after his would-be victim reported the matter.

“Bakundufite is a driving school instructor in Musanze District; when he heard that Nshimiyimana was arrested, together with his accomplices still at large, started calling Nshimiyimana's wife pretending to be Police officers handling the case and demanded Rwf50,000 to secure his unconditional release," said CIP Karekezi.

"Mujawamungu agreed to the deal but informed law enforcement organs in the process. Bakundufite was caught red-handed receiving the money.

He belongs to a chain of fraudsters. One of them was calling himself the Police station commander with Bakundufite guising as his deputy."

CIP Karekezi advised the public never to fall prey to such conmen, noting that giving a bribe is also criminal and that “suspects can only be released through usual lawful procedures as specified by the law.”

“A suspect can only be released through due processes; the public should not look for short-cuts which also makes one a suspected criminal,” said CIP Karekezi.

He added: “Impersonation, like any other crime, is an ill-advised attempt and a serious crime,” he warned, urging the general public to always be vigilant and “seek service from offices not on streets.”

In article 279 of law determining offences and penalties in general, it states that any person who, without title, usurps public, civil or military functions or poses the acts of one of these functions or falsely attributes to himself/herself the quality of a public official… with an intention to mislead the public, commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to imprisonment for a term of not less than two years and not more than three years with a fine of not less than Rwf300, 000 and not more than Rwf500, 000.