EASTERN PROVINCE

NGOMA — The nine people who were recently arrested and detained over the mismanagement of funds meant for the health insurance scheme in Ngoma district have been released.

Protais Rubibi, the district internal auditor said that seven of them were released by the Ngoma Lower Instance Court pending further investigations.

"….investigations are still ongoing and they could be re-arrested anytime to answer any charges that may arise,” he said.

Rubibi said that other two people implicated in the case, Jean Chrisostome Munyaneza of Jarama Health Centre and Cyrelle Izihitiramo of Sangaza Health Centre were released on bail on December 12 by the Rwamagana High Court.

The duo allegedly swindled Rwf4, 643, 388 and Rwf4, 603, 466 respectively. They had earlier been remanded to 30 days in prison by Sake Lower Instance Court.

The nine all in-charge of health insurance at different health centres in the district had been arrested by Ngoma Police on November 18 2008; a day after a report was released implicating them in a loss of Rwf55, 845, 249.

The joint investigation was conducted by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the district internal auditor, head of health insurance in the district and area Police.

At least 14 people, all heads of health insurance at the 14 health centres in the district, were implicated in the scam, according to Rubibi.

Meanwhile, other three people, Ignance Hategekimana, Jean Marie Vianne Sibomana and Judith Mukabigabiro are still detained at Kibungo prison.

The three, all members of the district health insurance committee allegedly forged necessary papers to enable them swindle Rwf5, 440, 574.

Rubibi suggested that more arrests could be made. According to Rubibi, the final report on the whole health insurance scandal in the district will be released this Friday.

"Everyone who will be implicated in the final report will face the law accordingly,” he warned.  

Ends