Two suspected fraudsters identified as Eric Niyomugabo, 33, and Tuyishime Zakayo, 24, were arrested Tuesday in Kimironko Sector, Gasabo District for allegedly defrauding unsuspecting members of the public.
The duo was at the time of their arrest trying to con people promising to magically double the money they give, Police said.
Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Marie-Gorrette Umutesi, the Police spokesperson for the City of Kigali, said that information about the alleged criminal acts was reported by some of the victims.
“These suspects were going around manipulating people that they have magic to make money, and would require their target to give them a certain amount of money they want doubled,” CIP Umutesi said.
Apparently, the suspects would wrap papers cut in form of currency notes in a handkerchief, which they would give to their target before vanishing with their money.
They were targeting anyone with anything valuable, including jewelry, CIP Umutesi explained.
“People should be vigilant; look at someone trying to convince you that they have the magic to make you rich. Why can’t they use their magic to get those riches themselves?” she wondered.
“When you see such people, know that they are fraudsters trying to defraud you; always be quick to call the Police to prevent them from victimizing others,” the spokesperson emphasized.
Article 174 of the law determining offences and penalties in general, states that “Any person, who by deception, obtains another person’s property, whole or part of his/her finance by use of false names or qualifications, or who offers positive promises or who threatens of future misfortunes, 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, and a fine of not less than Rwf3 million and not more than Rwf5 million.”