Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on January 21 arrested Vedaste Kabera, the director in charge of good governance in Southern Province, over corruption and spouse harassment charges.

Local government entities are among the government institutions where the likelihood of bribery is high, according to the 2022 Rwanda Bribery Index (RBI). The 2023 edition showed that three institutions - the private sector, Rwanda Utility Regulatory Authority, and Rwanda National Police, had most bribery incidents.

According to a RIB statement, Kabera allegedly bribed an investigator assigned to a case in which his wife accused him of spousal harassment. RIB Spokesperson Thierry Murangira said that Kabera was apprehended shortly after being summoned for questioning regarding the harassment case filed by his wife.

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After the interrogation, Kabera returned home and sent money to the investigator through mobile phone, along with a message proposing a meeting to discuss his case after working hours, Murangira said.

The official faces charges on four counts and if convicted, faces five to seven years in prison for bribery and one to two years for harassment of his wife.

Kabera is also accused of fraudulent use of family property.