THE NATIONAL Police are investigating Muhanga District officials for allegedly issuing bounced cheques to AS Muhanga FC players and officials. 

The investigations come after AS Muhanga’s failure to turn up for their last game of the 2013/14 Turbo King Football League season against champions APR. The club is sponsored by the Southern Province district of Muhanga.

The Southern Region Police Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Hubert Gashagaza confirmed the development, but refused to identify the officials.  He said Police is carrying out investigations. 

"We are interrogating the club officials over bounced cheques after players brought the matter to the attention of the Police. We are carrying out investigations to get to the bottom of the issue. We think it’s a criminal offense and this is why we have intervened,” said Gashagaza. 

Though Gashagaza declined to reveal the names of the officials, Times Sport has learnt that the officials under investigation include the former AS Muhanga chairperson and incumbent Muhanga District Executive Secretary Celse Gasana as well as the club’s Treasurer Innocent Gashugi who is also in charge of Youth affairs in the district. 

When investigations are concluded, the file will be sent to the prosecution. According to the penal code, the penalty for issuing a bounced cheque is 2 to 5 years in jail. 

According to head coach Ali Bizimungu, the players and technical staff took the matter to the Police after failed attempts to get their recruitment fees and salary arrears amounting to Rwf 30m from the district. 

"AS Muhanga owes us a total of Rwf 18m in unpaid recruitment fees which was supposed to be paid two seasons ago (2012/13 season). The club committee tried to lure players by giving them cheques in July, 2013 which were meant to be cashed a month after,” 

"But by August, 2013, the club authorities had not deposited the money on the players’ accounts as promised. The situation got worse in April this year, when players spent 4 months without getting  salaries, a feat which forced them to seek Police intervention,” 

Bizimungu says the players have been patient with the club committee for the past two seasons but continued deceit from the club officials in the final stages of last season, forced players to go on strike as they could no longer trust the club management. 

"The same officials who had shunned the players turned up on our final match of the season against APR, begging players to honour the match but it was too late because all their pleas fell on deaf ears,” added the former Rayon Sport coach. 

Efforts to reach the concerned officials for a comment were futile as they could not pick up repeated calls from this reporter. 

Muhanga district earmarks Rwf60m in its annual budget to run the club. 

The crisis at the Southern Province based club is largely blamed for its relegation from the First Division as the team finished with only 18 points in 26 matches last season. 

The club was relegated to the second division tier alongside Esperance who finished 13th with 21 points.