Horizon trial resumes today

The alleged embezzlement case against six military officials of Horizon Construction Company resumes today at the Military Tribunal in Nyamirambo, the military prosecution has revealed. In an interview with The New Times, head of military prosecution, Capt. Ngabo Kayijuka, said the case delayed pending an independent expert’s study that was requested by the tribunal.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

The alleged embezzlement case against six military officials of Horizon Construction Company resumes today at the Military Tribunal in Nyamirambo, the military prosecution has revealed.

In an interview with The New Times, head of military prosecution, Capt. Ngabo Kayijuka, said the case delayed pending an independent expert’s study that was requested by the tribunal.

This is the second audit ordered by the tribunal on the controversial Gashora dykes after the accused contested the findings of the initial expert report.

The presiding judge, Major Marc Sebaganji, had recently ordered for an independent expert’s audit for further evaluation.

Horizon Construction was contracted to construct dykes in Gashora wetland, but topographic findings revealed a mismatch on what was agreed upon in the contract.

Lt. Col. Paul Semana, who was General Manager of Horizon, had maintained that the company did the job according to the contract, expressing doubts on the methodology the hired experts would use to audit the company.

Military prosecutors accuse the army officers of swindling up to Rwf 700 million.

The judges of the military tribunal had decided that they would make a site tour of the project to gather more details on the project.

Defence lawyers had on the other hand expressed deep concern over what they called "the prosecution’s failure” to come up with clear allegations against each of their clients.

Ends