Rwanda National Police

A man in Ruhango District, Byimana Sector, has been arrested for allegedly impersonating as a land registration officer in order to illegally collect money from his unsuspecting victims.

The suspect, Eugene Nshimayezu was arrested on July 24, after residents became suspicious of his activities and reported him to police.

It is said that at the time of his arrest, Nshimayezu had already collected approximately Rwf1 million from his victim, who he had promised to offer land titles upon payment of money.

The suspect is currently held at Byimana Police Station pending further investigations.

The Police Spokesperson for Southern Province, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Hubert Gashagaza, noted that investigations were instantly conducted, and thereafter confirmed that he was not an employee of Rwanda Natural Resources Authority, which is in charge of land registration.

“Investigations show that he was once an executive secretary of Gatagara Cell in Mukingo Sector of Nyanza District, but he was dismissed from his job on corruption related issues. With such a history of corruption related charges, it is becoming clear about how the suspect thought that he will get away with impersonating as a land registration officer,” CSP Gashagaza said.

“He carried with him a fake badge indicating that he was an employee of the national land centrece, which enabled him to defraud a couple of people their hard earned money. We thank those residents who provided police with credible information that led to his arrest.”

CSP Gashagaza further cautioned the public against paying money to individual for public services, noting that there is always need to double check the identity of individuals before paying for any services.

“If you are suspicious about an individual, immediately alert police and local authorities, and we shall immediately conduct investigations. This will not only save you from being cheated, but it will also save many other residents,” he added.

Article 318 of the penal code states that anyone who obtains the property of another person by fraud or by intentionally using false names, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of three to five years and a fine between Rwf3 million and Rwf5 million.