English
Kinyarwanda
The Rwanda National Police zero stance to corruption led to the arrest of two men in Rutsiro District, Nkora Sector, who attempted to bribe a police officer with Rwf41,000 in order to get an illegal service.
Jean Damascene Nsegiyumva, 37 and Innocent Cyiza, 37 – were arrested on August 28, when they were caught red-handed while trying to offer the bribe.
The Police Spokesperson for Western Province, Inspector of Police (IP), Theobald Kanamugire, revealed that the suspects offered the bribe with intent to smuggle livestock across the border in unclear circumstances.
“The officer was informed that he would be given Rwf41, 000 if he looks the other way and lets the suspects cross the border with the livestock without making any queries. He however informed other officers and when they brought the bribe, they were immediately arrested,” he said.
They are currently held at Kivumu Police Station pending further investigations.
“Instead of providing necessary documents as requested, or finding out how to acquire legal documents, some individuals resort to bribery, yet they fully understand the consequences of such actions. Transportation of livestock across borders is not complicated, that is why people who try to use illegal channels always raise suspicion about the health or origin of the animals,” he added.
He commended the officer for denouncing bribery and for acting fast to arrest the suspects, which is a direct warning to residents who seek to bribe in order to acquire illegal services.
Penalties for anyone convicted of corruption range from two to seven years in jail and a fine of up to ten times the value of illegal benefit demanded, or both charges, according to article 641 of the Rwandan Penal Code.
