COURT IN NYAMAGABE District on Thursday conducted a public trial of a man accused of attempting to bribe a police officer, to allow residents follow the proceedings and perhaps understand that bribing public officials was a crime.

Schadrack Niyonsaba was arraigned before the Gasaka Primary Court for attempting to bribe a policewoman to get back his motorcycle that had been impounded for traffic offences.

The trial was heard in public in Kagano cell, Kitabi sector. During the hearing, prosecution said that on December 26, 2014, traffic police officers on duty in Kitabi sector stopped Niyonsaba for ransporting a passenger without a safety helmet. Police also discovered that the suspect didn’t have all documents required.

But, according to prosecution, Niyonsaba managed to escape and Police launched a search which led the impounding of his motor cycle days later.

He later approached a police woman and suggested a bribe of Rwf10,000 to help secure the release of her motor bike, court heard. He was arrested and detained on the spot.

However, while acknowledging having attempted to give a police officer money, Niyonsaba told the court that he didn’t mean to bribe her, but rather it was his way of apologising for the offence he committed.

Prosecution rejected his defence and requested court to hand the accused a two-year jail sentence and fine of Rwf20, 000.

The court will deliver its decision on February 20.