NYAGATARE - The Nyagatare Intermediary court on Monday remanded former district Mayor, Robert Kashemeza for thirty days at Nsinda prison in the Eastern Province.

The presiding judge, Emmanuel Manirakiza, took the decision following a September 18 request by prosecution to detain Kashemeza to pave way for further investigations into his embezzlement case. The accused was not present during the ruling.

Kashemeza’s lawyer, Athanase Rutabingwa, had requested that his client be granted bail since he had paid back the money he was accused of embezzling. 

"Court rules that Robert Kashemeza be remanded for 30 days because we suspect he can escape from the hand of justice,” ruled Manirakiza.

Four other sector leaders in the district were arrested for allegedly being Kashemeza’s accomplices. They are currently detained at Nyagatare Police post.

They include Sam Mushabe of Nyagatare, Emmanuel Murenzi, Executive Secretary in Karangazi, Wilson Mugabo of Rwimiyaga and Alex Karengera from Matimba.

Police sources earlier said that the sector leaders were detained after investigations revealed they had illegally withdrawn money from their sector accounts in order to settle the Rwf 10 million Kashemeza is accused of embezzling.

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