Prosecutor Arrested on Suspicion of Extorting Bribe from a Citizen

By Elias HAKIZIMANA.

A prosecutor named Sebwiza Vital from the Gashari primary court level was arrested on October 18, 2024, by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). He is accused of soliciting and accepting a bribe of 150,000 Rwandan Francs.

Sebwiza was not the only one arrested; he was detained alongside Musabyimana Jackson, who posed as a middleman and is considered an accomplice. Musabyimana allegedly connected the person seeking help with the prosecutor who demanded the bribe.

Both suspects are accused of soliciting and receiving a bribe to release a detainee accused of livestock theft. They reportedly accepted the 150,000 Rwandan Francs from a citizen to secure the release of the citizen’s wife.

These incidents occurred in Murambi Sector, Karongi District.

Dr. Thierry Murangira, RIB spokesperson, stated, “The two suspects were arrested after an investigation had been conducted into their alleged bribery activities. They are currently detained at Nyarugenge and Kimihurura RIB stations, and their case file was forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office on October 22, 2024.”

Dr. Murangira emphasized that RIB will not tolerate anyone who solicits or accepts bribes, saying, “The government’s policy is zero tolerance for corruption.”

He reminded citizens that bribery is a serious offense and warned that anyone caught will be punished. RIB also urged the public to report any cases of bribery to ensure those involved are held accountable.

The RIB spokesperson further reminded Rwandans that it is improper to give anything to influence illegal actions.

Legal Provisions:

The offense of soliciting or accepting a bribe by a person involved in judicial decision-making or enforcement is punishable under Article 5 of Law No. 54/2018 of August 13, 2018, on anti-corruption. A convicted person faces a prison sentence of between 7 to 10 years and a fine ranging from 3 to 5 times the bribe amount.

An accomplice to this offense is punished under Article 84 of Law No. 68/2018 of August 30, 2024, which covers general offenses and penalties, stipulating that an accomplice faces the same punishment as the primary offender.

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