Police are holding two women arrested over soliciting for money in shops in Kinyinya under false pretence.

The two were on Monday found in possession of fake badges that helped them to masquerade as employees of Rwanda Revenue Authority in order to collect taxes from unsuspecting businesspersons.

The Police Spokesperson for the City of Kigali, Superintendent Modeste Mbabazi, said the suspects were reported by concerned shopkeepers who were suspicious that they were being charged unclear taxes.

"It is clear that the two suspects had been doing this illegal activity for a while. I commend the responsible citizens who alerted Police and enabled us to conduct investigations until we arrested them,” Mbabazi said.

"Laws in Rwanda are clear, and it is important that people read these laws so that they avoid those who want to con them of their hard-earned money. Whenever there is suspicion, alert Police and we will ensure that the public is protected from such criminals.”

RRA Commissioner for Taxpayer Services Drocella Mukashyaka decried the fraud and reminded the public, especially traders, that taxes are streamlined and suspects should be reported to authorities before they fleece any persons.

Jean Damascene Ngizwenayo, a shop owner in Kinyinya, said he had previously been tricked into paying the two women Rwf3,000 in what they had called a "patent tax.”

"They approached me saying they were collecting patent tax on behalf of RRA. I gave it to them although I suspected them, and I am glad that they have been arrested,” he said.

The two are likely to be charged under Article 609 of the Penal Code, which stipulates that any person who forges or alters documents by forged signature or impersonation, shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of five to seven years and a fine between Rwf300,000 and Rwf3 million or both.

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