A man suspected of impersonating police personnel has been arrested in Nyamasheke District as he attempted to defraud residents.

Aprodice Usengimana, 43, currently detained at Kanjongo Police Station, was arrested on July 31 following information that he was impersonating the commander of Kagano Police Station, a ploy he used to con people, Police said.

Chief Inspector of Police Theobald Kanamugire, the Police spokesperson for Western Region, confirmed the arrest.

"We have so far identified one person Usengimana duped. Preliminary investigations indicate, that on July 30, he (Usengimana) impersonated the police commander and took Rwf50, 000 from one Jean Bosco Sibomana, promising him to release his brother,” said Kanamugire.

Sibomana’s young brother, identified as Steven Byumvihire was arrested in illegal activities last week and taken to Kagano transit centre.

Unlawfully believing that he would be helped to have his brother released, Sibomana gave Usengimana Rwf50, 000 as requested.

"Sibomana came out to report the incident after his brother was not released; this was after he realised that actually the person he was dealing with was an impersonator. The suspect was traced and arrested,” Kanamugire said.

"Sibomana himself used unlawful means to try to have his brother released. It was a criminal idea to offer a bribe for an illegal service. Very many people, who have attempted to bribe police officers, have been arrested and prosecuted, and people should learn to go through legal channels and fight for their rights instead of committing crimes to acquire either a legal or illegal service.”

Usengimana, Kanamugire said, will be charged with impersonation and fraud.

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