POLICE IN MUSANZE have arrested a man suspected of bribing a police officer during the motor vehicle inspection exercise held in Musanze District.

The suspect (names withheld) is a resident of Shyira Sector in Nyabihu District. He was arrested on Friday.

Motor vehicle owners in Musanze and neighbouring districts are currently having their vehicles inspected in Musanze, an incentive by Rwanda National Police to save the motorists from the burden of having to travel to Kigali.

The suspect is detained at Muhoza police station, according to Supt Emmanuel Hitayezu, the Northern Province regional police spokesperson.

Hitayezu said the man was arrested while trying to give money to a police officer who was supervising the exercise.

"The suspect’s vehicle failed the mechanical test and instead of taking it to the garage to be fixed, he wanted to bribe the police officer with Rwf25,000 so that he can be let off the hook,” he said.

Hitayezu added that police will arrest anyone attempting to bribe officers.

He advised motorists to  respect the rules and have their cars fixed to protect their lives and those of the public.

The suspect admitted having tried to bribe the police officer but added that he wanted to have his vehicle inspected before other motorists because of the long queue.

"There was a long queue and I wanted my vehicle to be inspected first. I contacted a police officer and he instead decided to arrest me. I apologise  for the intention to bribe a police officer and will never do it again,” said the suspect.

Once the suspect is found guilty he faces between five and seven years in prison and a fine of between two to ten times of what he intended to bribe the officer according to article 641 of the penal code.