EASTERN PROVINCE

KIREHE – Police in Kirehe last week arrested a Sector official in charge of civil affairs for allegedly obtaining Rwf.75m from residents seeking identification papers.

Pierre Celestine Sengumuremyi, 32, of Nyamugari Sector was arrested early last week from his office after an investigation by Police established that he had deliberately inflated the charges for area residents seeking identification.

Contrary to Rwf.200 supposed to be paid by each resident for four pages of the identity papers, it is alleged that Sengumuremyi was instead charging them extra Rwf.600, thereby asking them to pay Rwf.800.

Police alleges that he collected Rwf.75m above Rwf.25m which was supposed to be collected from every receipt book, an amount which he pocketed.

Police say they were tipped off by some of Sengumuremyi’s victims.

"Several residents came here complaining that they were being cheated by the officer in charge of civil Affairs and we had to act swiftly to save them,” the District Police Commander, Supt. Evaliste Gatera said.

"It’s high time every resident realises that it is also their responsibility to know how public officials conduct their affairs. In so doing those operating outside the norms can be reported,” he added.

However, speaking from the police station, Sengumuremyi denied the charges saying that it was just an error which happened only on two cases.

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