Two drivers have been arrested in connection with attempt to bribe police officers on duty.

The suspects, identified as Emmanuel Amour and Emmanuel Habumugisha, were apprehended separately on May 20 in Nyabihu and Ngororero Districts, respectively.

Police said Amour, who was driving along the Mahoko – Cyanika highway tried to bribe an officer after the latter caught him driving without a driver’s licence.

Amour allegedly tried to offer a bribe of Rwf1,000 so that he could be let free.

Normally, anyone found driving without a driver’s licence, pays a fine of Rwf50, 000 payable within three days from the day of issuance of a traffic fine receipt.

The second suspect, Habumugisha, was arrested in Kabaya Sector in Ngororero when he also tried to offer a bribe of Rwf10,000 to a police officer to lure him into releasing a motorcycle that had been previously seized over violation of traffic rules.

"Instead of providing the documents as requested by officers, or respecting the rules, some individuals resort to bribery, yet they fully understand the consequences of such actions,” Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) Emmanuel Kabanda, the Spokesperson for Traffic and Road Safety department, said.

"A crime cannot solve a crime; but it attracts more charges instead. It is better to follow the right procedures to acquire a service.

‘‘Road users must at all times adhere to the traffic rules and regulations in order to maintain road safety.”

He commended the officers for denouncing bribery and for acting fast to arrest the suspects, which is a direct warning to drivers and other members of the public who seek to bribe their way out of wrongdoing,’’ he added.

At least over 150 people, majority drivers, have been arrested since late last year in connection with attempting to bribe police officers.

Penalties for anyone convicted of corruption range from two to seven years in jail and a fine of up to ten times the value of illegal benefit demanded, or both.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw