Rwamagana: Father, Son Arrested for Bribing Mediators

By The Inspirer.

A 32-year-old man and his 64-year-old father were caught red-handed bribing mediators in Gishari Sector, Rwamagana District, in an attempt to secure ownership of a disputed piece of land they were contesting with a family member.

The two were apprehended on Tuesday, November 26, in Gishari Sector after they had already given mediators a sum of RWF 40,000. They also committed in writing to provide an additional RWF 60,000, bringing the total bribe to RWF 100,000.

This incident followed a complaint filed with the Gishari Sector Mediation Committee by Grace Mukamana, who accused her cousin, Augustin Ntambara, of trying to illegally claim a piece of land left to her by her mother. Ntambara, however, argued that the land was his inheritance from his father, as their parents were siblings.

The Executive Secretary of Gishari Sector, Emmanuel Ntwari, confirmed the arrest and explained that the father and son had promised the mediators RWF 100,000 in exchange for a favorable ruling.

He stated, “As the mediation committee was preparing to deliberate on the case, Ntambara’s son, Manizabayo, together with his father, approached the mediators and offered them a reward of RWF 100,000 to secure a favorable outcome. The mediators reported this to us, and we collaborated to set a trap. Yesterday, they handed over RWF 40,000 and signed an agreement to pay the remaining RWF 60,000, at which point they were arrested.”

Secretary Ntwari urged citizens to refrain from attempting to buy services that are legally guaranteed and to avoid family conflicts that often lead to crimes and severe consequences such as imprisonment.

He added, “We encourage citizens to resolve family disputes peacefully and utilize the available mediation mechanisms. They should not resort to bribery, as it is a punishable offense under the law. Local authorities are here to assist without requiring any payment.”

The 32-year-old man and his father are currently detained at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) station in Gishari as they await the transfer of their case to the prosecution.