Ruling on Munyakazi case due next week

The ruling in the case involving the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics could be pronounced next week, the office of the Prosecutor General revealed yesterday.

Thursday, April 02, 2009
L-R: Augustin Nkusi, Dr. Louis Munyakazi.

The ruling in the case involving the Director General of the National Institute of Statistics could be pronounced next week, the office of the Prosecutor General revealed yesterday.

Dr Louis Munyakazi was arrested last month over corruption related charges and his trial was held at Nyarugenge Higher Instance Court early last month. According to prosecution, he was charged with embezzlement and favouritism in awarding tenders.

Prosecution Spokesperson Augustin Nkusi said in a phone interview yesterday that Munyakazi’s trial was held on March 5 "and procedurally a ruling is passed within a period of not more than a month which in this case would mean sometime next week.”

"We are waiting for the court’s decision before taking any further steps,” said Nkusi. He however explained that if the court decides to clear all allegations against him and set him free, the prosecution will appeal.

"We have enough proof for the case against him,” he added, mentioning that the prosecution is in possession of various documents of embezzlement.

Munyakazi was accused of having fraudulently ordered that a cheque of Rwf 2,7 million be paid to a local printing shop belonging to his younger brother, which could land him two years imprisonment on conviction.

During his first appearance, Munyakazi denied all the accusations against him, claiming that the offer was made because of an urgent situation and that his institution had financial autonomy in such a case.

Ends